Chain Snatching is one of the crime happening across India by different individuals or gangs. One should be aware while being in public places and should be cautious always. Chain snatching an easy job unlike burglaries, robberies or dacoities. These chain snatchers mostly will be from different places, They will often go to a new places and do their job and leave within hours.
- A professional snatcher can get away with a gold chain in around five seconds.
- Even students are committing chain snatchings for easy money.
- Jewellers who purchase gold chains from snatchers may not pay the value of the gold chain, but might pay atleast half of the value.
On preventive measures, Below tips are given for creating awareness in the society, particularly among women.
- Be alert and aware; Pay full attention to who is around you when you are in public place. Avoid text messaging and talking on the phone while walking alone.
- Avoid displaying and carrying large sums of money or valuable jewellery in public.
- At night, avoid taking shortcuts through deserted areas such as parks, playgrounds and vacant lots. DO NOT allow a stranger to follow you to your doorstep. Go to a public place where you can call the police whenever you feel threatened.
- Travel on well-lighted and busy routes. Avoid walking or parking in shadowed areas.
- Avoid talking on mobile phones while walking on the road to prevent chain snatching. They should also be alert if bikers follow them.
- If anyone approaches you and tries to divert your attention by telling you that you have dropped your money, or there is some dirt on your clothes, beware.
- For Women, Avoid wearing flashy, showy jewellery. If you have to, keep it covered with a scarf, dupatta or saree. Avoid wearing loose fitting jewellery, ornaments during morning and evening walks as most snatchings take place at these times.
- Women who have to pick up their children from school in the afternoon or evening should be alert in case the roads are deserted.
- If you are going to attend a marriage or a social function ensure that you are escorted. It is good idea to keep the jewellery in a hand bag and wear it at the venue and remove it when you come out.
- In case your jewellery is snatched, raise an alarm and try to attract the attention of others.
- Act vigilant, if a biker coming from the opposite direction has his eyes set on your jewellery. He will probably take a 'U' turn in an attempt to snatch it.
- Keep safe distance while communicating with strangers enquiring about an address.
- While approaching your car, look to make sure that no one is hiding in or around the vehicle, especially in the back seat. Check your tires for flats. Keep windows rolled up, except for a small opening for ventilation and keep the doors locked at all times.
- While at home, Have your keys ready before you get to the door. Make sure your entrance area is well lit. If you live in an apartment, close the lobby door behind you, especially if a stranger is approaching. Make all visitors and delivery persons use the door bell. Place your name on the inside of the mailbox where only the mailcarrier will see it. If a name must be on the outside, use only the last name,
- Avoid eye contact with strangers. Avoid wearing ornaments while going out alone and avoid walking on deserted roads and streets. Carry a stick, whistle and red chilly powder to ward off chain-snatchers.
- If you sense that you are being followed, change directions or cross the street. If the person persists, run to the nearest place where you'll find people.
- If you are confronted, COOPERATE! Give the criminal what he/she asks for. Your life is more valuable than replaceable possessions. Concentrate on remembering a description and call police immediately. Time is of the essence.
Immediately, seek the public help of the people around you and write down the registration numbers of two-wheelers and dial the police helpline '100' to alert the police control room in the event of an attack or immediately call 100 in case of any attack or attempt to rob you.
