180 cases of snatching this year in city

In Delhi, a woman falls prey to a chain snatcher every day. This year, in five months 180 cases of chain snatching have been reported in the city.

The police say it is an organised crime and is an easy way for the unemployed to get quick money. Last month, two students of Delhi University were arrested for snatching chain from a woman in Roop Nagar area of north Delhi.

A woman in Gurgaon landed in ICU when she resisted an attempt by chain snatchers to rob her on the Gurgaon Expressway.

“Women wearing gold chains are the prime targets of chain snatchers. The snatchers work as a syndicate. It might appear like a petty crime but there are gangs that specialise in this,” said a senior police officer.

The sections under which the snatchers are booked are often bailable. “Deserted lanes and wide roads are the most vulnerable areas where these incidents occur. Offices and schools where a female workforce is in predominance are
also their targets,” said the officer.

The police said snatching involves many people with specific jobs assigned. Women are a part of many gangs, and in some cases it is like a family. The police say collecting evidence against snatchers is always difficult and the low recovery of stolen goods add to their woes, said a police officer. Most are unemployed college dropouts.