Chain snatching cases on the rise

Figures obtained from the police reveal that there has been a significant rise in chain snatching incidents in the city. Between January and October 2011, there were 247 chain snatching cases, while during the same period this year, the number was 411.

A study conducted by the city police says that in majority of the cases in 2012, victims were senior citizens above 60 years. At a press conference on Friday, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shahji Solunkhe said chain snatching cases have increased in all the four zones of the city. "Compared to last year, chain snatching cases have increased by 52 in zone I, 35 in zone II, 43 in zone III and 24 in zone IV," he said.

"Maximum cases were reported from Kothrud and Warje. There were 26 more chain snatching cases in Kothrud between January and October compared to the corresponding period last year. In Warje, the number has increased by 16, in Chatushringi by 14 and in Dattawadi by 11. But in Kondhwa, the number has decreased by five," he added.

Solunkhe said of the 411 cases this year, maximum incidents of 105 took place between 9 am and 1 pm. Police found that in 132 cases, women who were targeted were above 60 years.

Solunkhe said police are doing their best to tackle the menace. Solunkhe on Friday announced a reward for crime branch sleuths who nabbed two chain snatchers.

Acting on a tip-off to constable Baba Dangde and police naik Raju Borde, a team of anti-chain snatching squad of the Crime Branch led by inspector Chandrakant Ghodke, arrested Bapu alias Mohan Dashrath Virkar (32) of Ubale Nagar, Wagholi and Vinod alias Pappu Waman Halande (26) of Gore chawl, Chakan.

Police said that duo are history sheeters and committed 10 chain snatchings in differents areas of city between May and October 2012.

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