Spike in snatching incidents sparks fear among Jammu residents

An alarming rise in incidents of gold ornaments and handbag snatching—mostly targeting women—has triggered fear and insecurity among residents of Jammu city. Once considered one of the safer cities in the region, Jammu is now witnessing a surge in such crimes, particularly during evening hours.

Families across the city are growing increasingly cautious, with many advising women not to venture out alone after dusk. Police have made several arrests in recent weeks, often tracing suspects through CCTV footage that captured their motorbikes’ registration numbers. In some cases, victims were reportedly pushed and dragged before their ornaments were snatched.

What is particularly worrying, residents say, is that these crimes are no longer confined to isolated or poorly lit neighborhoods. Incidents have been reported from some of Jammu’s more upscale localities, including Gandhi Nagar, Trikuta Nagar, Channi Himmat, Sainik Colony and Greater Kailash. Viral videos of such attacks have only deepened public anxiety, especially among women who now feel unsafe even in broad daylight.

Former Mayor Rajinder Sharma recently led a protest demonstration against the rising snatching cases, accusing the police of failing to curb the menace. “Many women have suffered injuries during snatching attempts,” Sharma said, echoing the frustration of protesters who demanded stronger policing and stricter action against offenders.

According to police sources, several of the arrested snatchers were outsiders with a history of drug addiction. Investigators suspect that the spike in such crimes is linked to rising unemployment and substance abuse in the region. “Many of the accused admitted to committing snatchings to fund their drug habits,” a police official revealed.

Residents, however, point to other factors as well. Poor street lighting, defunct CCTV cameras, and irregular police patrolling in vulnerable areas have made it easier for criminals to strike. “We rarely see police patrols in our locality at night,” said a resident of Channi Himmat. “Snatchers take advantage of the darkness and lack of surveillance.”

Locals fear the problem could escalate further, as police have recently busted several organised gangs operating across Jammu and its outskirts. The lure of quick money and the absence of a strong deterrent, many believe, continue to embolden such criminals.

As public anger mounts, citizens are urging law enforcement agencies to increase patrolling, repair non-functional street lights and cameras, and adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward street crimes. Until then, fear and caution seem to have replaced the sense of safety that once defined life in Jammu.