Thefts in trains reduce

Fewer chain and mobile phone snatching cases but bag thefts still a problem.

Your ride in the local trains has become safer with fewer cases of chain and mobile phone snatchings being registered with the government railway police this year.

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Reason: people have become more alert when it comes to mobile phones and gold ornaments while travelling.

However, be extra cautious if you are carrying a bag, as bag lifting thefts have increased, the police added.

While stringent measures have been taken to curb such incidents, bag-snatching thefts still remains a problem for the GRP.

"Earlier, chain snatching was on top of our list as the gangs targeted women on a large scale. However, now women have become alert and many have stopped wearing flashy jewellery," said an officer from GRP, requesting anonymity.

"Officials in civil clothes also keep doing rounds in trains, especially the women's compartment, resulting in a decline of chain snatching incidents. Women who like wearing ornaments keep it in their bags while travelling in trains," he added.

As far as mobile phone thefts are concerned most of them take place when commuter is standing on the footboard of the train and talking. This gives an opportunity to the gang members to strike. With several cases coming to light, commuters now ensure that their phones are kept safely in pockets.

"The area where maximum mobile thefts are reported is between Bandra and Mahim stations. Between these two stations, the gang hits any passenger standing on the footboard with a phone in hand. This is their modus operandi," said a GRP officer, requesting anonymity.

According to the GRP, the China-made phones have dropped the demand for mobile phones among thieves. There is a fear of getting caught if a phone is stolen as it can easily be traced with the help of the IMEI number.

However, the GRP says that bag theft take place during peak hours, when trains are overcrowded. Thieves take advantage of the crowd and succeed in their operation.

"Most commuters keep their ornaments, cash and other valuables in their bags while travelling in trains. Sometimes passengers keep their bag below the seats and forget about it. This gives an opportunity to the thief," said PM Karyakarte, senior inspector of Borivli GRP.