Bhubaneswar: Armed with fast motorbikes, this group of snatchers swoops down on their victims on the move. By the time the victim or even the police realizes, they vanish into the thin air with their motorcycles. With the arrest of two minors involved in a series of mobile snatching incidents in the Capital city today, their modus operandi has come to fore.
According to sources, both the arrested persons are minors and educated. Police have seized over 30 mobile phones from the duo and sources revealed that the robbers have been able to buy their fast motorcycles by selling the stolen phones.
They target the victims who inadvertently leave their cell phones exposed – whether it’s a pedestrian taking on phone, a pillion rider on a motorcycle or commuters inside an auto rickshaw holding the phone in their hand.
“Particularly they target the pedestrians or a pillion rider on a motorcycle and snatch their mobile phones. They have snatched phones from many areas in Bhubaneswar. There are many high speed bikes available in the market which are being used by these robbers. Therefore, we are taking special care of the National Highways,” said Bhubaneswar DCP, Satyabrata Bhoi.
After snatching the phones they flee on their bikes and are even able to escape from the police. The gang then sells the stolen phones in various slums and to small traders.
A few days earlier, another such gang was busted by police and more than 50 costly mobile phones were seized.
“Over a period of time, these people come in touch with other snatchers. We are yet to establish the exact reasons behind their activity. But definitely, these robbers are involved in other crimes,” added Bhoi.
Psychiatrists opine that these snatchers are driven by the urge to earn more without any efforts. Besides, drugs, lavish lifestyle and dreams of becoming rich overnight are the main causes behind such behavior among the youths.