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Bike-borne snatcher gangs prey on women
A spurt in snatching cases has further dented the image of the Millennium City.
A spurt in snatching cases has further dented the image of the Millennium City.
Criminals on bikes target women on lonely stretches and decamp with their bags and valuables.
According to residents, though snatching of gold ornaments and purses are common in Gurgaon, victims try to avoid lodging complaints.
This year, a total of 24 cases of snatching have been registered so far. While 149 such cases were reported last year, the figure was 142 a year ago. In majority of cases, women fall prey to such crimes.
The number of incidents registered this year show a downward trend, However, HT managed to speak to a number of victims who did not report the matter to police.
MG Road and Palam Vihar have emerged as notorious spots for motorbike-borne chain snatchers, forcing many women to stop wearing jewellry.
"After reading in newspaper everyday about so many incidents of chain snatching, I have taken off my gold chain and kept it at home. But, I am still afraid of theft," said Madhu Jain, a teacher.
At least two cases were reported from Palam Vihar and MG Road on the very first day of 2012. Motorcycle-borne snatchers targeted Rachna Gupta and snatched her gold chain on January 1. Surekha Singh of Badshahpur was also attacked by two bikers on MG Road.
Many cases are not reported because victims do not want to let the matter reveal among family members to avoid their anger. Among the 24 registered cases, 23 victims were women. Increasing crimes have made many women feel unsafe in the city. "Eve teasing, rape and now chain snatching, Gurgaon is no more a safe city for women," said Komal Khurana, a BPO employee.
Residents say that lack of streetlights and absence of police make them more vulnerable to such attacks.
"Many RWAs have been reporting about lack of streetlights but authorities are sleeping on the issue. Streetlights are important for the safety of those who come back from work late in the night. Criminals do a study on their daily routine before attacking them" said Abhishek Kohli of Palam Vihar.
The police say they have been making all efforts to curb such crimes. "We have deployed women police at Metro stations and MG road. Five PCR vans are sent for patrolling at Sahara Mall, MGF Mall, Iffco Chowk, DLF City Centre Mall and near the exit of Leisure Valley Park. Besides, three motorcycle-borne beat constables are also on duty during night," said DCP (Crime) Maheshwar Dayal.
