Chain Snatchers Switch Tactics: Cars Replace Bikes, Homes Replace Streets

Palghar: Chain snatching incidents are on the rise, presenting a growing challenge for the police. Traditionally, snatchers have used motorcycles to target pedestrians and snatch gold chains on public roads. However, recent cases indicate a disturbing shift in their methods, replacing two-wheelers with cars and the streets with victims’ own homes.

Chain Snatched by Car-Borne Thieves

In Virar, a 53-year-old woman, Ranjana Kalekar, was returning home after dropping her granddaughter at school around 1 pm on Wednesday when she was targeted by two unidentified men near Amrut Yog Apartment in the Bolinj area. The men approached her in a car, forcibly snatched her 10-gram gold chain worth approximately ₹60,000, and fled the scene in the same vehicle.

A case has been registered under Section 309(6) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Bolinj Police Station. Police officials noted that this incident reflects a notable shift in the chain snatchers’ modus operandi, opting for four-wheelers over two-wheelers to commit thefts, potentially to avoid suspicion and ensure a quicker escape.

Thieves Break Into Home, Attempt Chain Snatching

In another shocking incident, thieves took an even bolder step by targeting a victim inside his own home. Kamlesh Sonkiya (31), a resident of Ramleela Apartment on the second floor in the Chandansar-Gas Kopri area of Virar, was at home on Monday, July 28, when two unidentified men knocked on his door.

When Sonkiya partially opened the door, the men requested water. As he turned around, they forced their way in and attempted to snatch his gold chain. In the scuffle, the chain fell and slid under a cupboard. The assailants then grabbed a mobile phone lying on the table and fled.

According to Virar Police, this marks the first known case of chain snatching inside a residential home in the area. The accused distracted the resident by pretending to ask for water and then tried to forcibly rob him. A case has been registered under Sections 309(60), 333, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Virar Police Station.

Police are investigating both cases and are urging the public to remain vigilant, whether on the street or inside their homes.