CRIME BRANCH, POLICE TEAMS GO AFTER CHAIN SNATCHERS

Police teams including those from the crime branch have been put on alert to check incidents of gold chain snatching, which have suddenly increased during the festive season, officials admit.

Police suspects that multiple gangs might be behind the spurt in chain snatching incidents. Officials appeared confident said the guilty would soon be arrested.

Over the last couple of days Prayagraj has witnessed a spurt in crime, with around half a dozen incidents of chain snatching being reported from different parts of the city.

Chain snatching have mostly been carried out by bike borne miscreants who have targeted gullible women pedestrians.

Chain snatching have been reported from Dhumanganj, Naini, Jhunsi though the police is focusing on Naini area as three incidents of chain snatching have been reported from there over the past two days. Police teams are preparing list of all miscreants of the district who were earlier caught for chain snatching and similar crime.

“They are being traced and questioned in connection with the incidents. Their appearances are being matched with the CCTV footages of the snatchers in a bid to identify the culprits. However, it is also suspected that some gangs from outside are active in the district,” a police official said.

SP Crime Ashutosh Mishra said, apart from crime branch, multiple police teams are on the job. “It is suspected that multiple gangs may be operating in the district and once caught they will be strictly dealt with. A list of miscreants who were involved in similar crimes is being prepared and they are being questioned in this connection,” he added.