On the prowl in Chandigarh, he has struck four times in 48 hours

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 26

A white Activa-borne snatcher is on the prowl in the city and has struck four times in the past 48 hours. The miscreant, who strikes single-handedly, is suspected to have been involved in at least six snatching incidents.

Two recent snatchings by the miscreant on a white Activa were reported on August 25 from Sector 42 and Sector 38.

The miscreant snatched a purse containing Rs 5,000 and two mobile phones near the hotel management institute in Sector 42. He also snatched a purse containing Rs 10,000, a mobile phone and car keys from a woman near Vivek High School, Sector 38. Police sources said the same person was involved in both snatching incidents. The police have registered cases in both incidents.

Two snatchings were reported on August 24. The accused snatched a purse from a woman in Sector 22 in the morning while she was returning after dropping her child at school. The miscreant, riding a white Activa, struck again at night and snatched a mobile phone from a cyclist, Pardeep Kumar, on the road separating Sector 16 and 10. Kumar said the scooter had a Punjab number.

The sources said the modus operandi of the accused, who also strikes during the daytime, was being analysed. “Most likely, a stolen white Activa is being used by the accused to commit snatchings,” said a police official.

The police have recovered footage of CCTV cameras from different spots, based on which an investigation has been initiated.

“In all incidents, the accused was wearing a black helmet,” said a police official.

No stopping snatchings

August 25

• Purse containing Rs 10,000, a mobile and car keys snatched in Sector 38 
• An Activa-borne miscreant snatched a purse containing Rs 5,000 and two mobile phones in Sec 42 

August 24 

• Purse containing Rs 6,000 snatched in Sector 22 
• Mobile phone snatched from a cyclist on the road separating Sector 16 and 10