The Andheri police in Mumbai have arrested a softball (tennis ball) cricket player along with two of his friends for allegedly robbing a senior citizen of a gold chain worth Rs 1.5 lakh. The police also recovered the stolen gold chain weighing 25 grammes.
Two others have also been arrested. The complainant was an Andheri East resident. Our report said that the incident occurred on May 5 around 11.20 pm, when the complainant was walking on the footpath in Andheri East.
Three unidentified men approached him. One of them pushed him, and when he questioned this, the trio assaulted him, snatched his gold chain and fled. Notice the modus operandi in these theft cases, so one can guard against it.
The push was designed to get some kind of reaction and to take away attention from surroundings or people around. Chain, wallet or bag snatchers often work in pairs or in groups to be more effective.
Here, the crime occurred on foot but there may have been a waiting vehicle for a getaway. At other times, an accomplice may create a distraction or diversion by asking a person they intend to rob if they know what the time is.
As the target looks at a watch to respond, the other person snatches a valuable item and then all involved in the crime take off. Sometimes, the distraction is making a loud noise, shouting about something or even trying to engage the target in conversation. Creating confusion is another favoured tactic. Keep your wits about you as much as possible and if robbed, report to the nearest police station with whatever details you remember about the attackers.
If you manage to stay focussed, it is likely that assailants will realise that you will not be easily distracted or diverted and scotch their plans.