A routine visit to the market or a leisurely walk in the park can turn into a traumatic experience for residents of Chandigarh who fall prey to snatchers. Beyond the immediate financial loss, victims often struggle with the emotional aftermath of having their sense of safety and personal space violated.
Current Snatching Statistics
According to police data, a total of 36 snatching cases have been reported in the city so far this year, compared to 100 cases during the same period last year. In the past 24 hours alone, four such incidents occurred, all within a five-kilometre radius. Police claim to have solved these cases with the arrest of two men. The accused, identified as Mohit (18) and Ajay (24), are residents of Dadudmajra Colony.
Details of Recent Incidents
Three of the four incidents took place under the jurisdiction of the Sector 39 police station. Scooter-riding suspects were involved in all cases, leading police to suspect the same group.
One victim, Parmoo Singh from Rupnagar, Punjab, stated he was heading to ISBT-43 with his family when two miscreants on a bike intercepted them near the bus stand road, snatched his wife's purse, and fled. The purse contained a mobile phone, a pair of silver anklets, around Rs 1,500 in cash, and important documents.
Another complainant, Sandeep from Sector 25, Chandigarh, reported that he was returning home from Sector 37 market when two men on a bike intercepted him, with one brandishing a knife. They snatched his mobile phone and escaped towards the residential area of Sector 37.
Rukmani, a resident of Nayagaon in Mohali, said two men on a scooter snatched her purse near the Sector 40/41 light point before fleeing. The purse contained a mobile phone, Rs 450 in cash, and other documents.
In Sector 38, Madan Mohan reported that while on his way to Sector 40, two men on a scooter approached from behind, snatched his mobile phone, and fled. He raised an alarm, attracting passersby to the spot.
Police Response and Increased Surveillance
Amid a rise in organised crime, gang wars, and firing incidents, police have intensified their crackdown on criminal elements. On March 19, SSP Kanwardeep Kaur directed all police stations to set up round-the-clock nakas (checkpoints) in their respective jurisdictions. The duty of personnel at these checkpoints is rotated every eight hours to ensure continuous vigilance. Station house officers and police post in-charges have been instructed to remain deployed in the field daily from 3 pm to 11 pm. Following these orders, all 16 police stations in the city have established over 60 nakas operating round the clock.
Worst-Affected Areas
Southern sectors, including 38, 41, 42, 43, 44, 54, and 56, are considered highly vulnerable to snatching. Sectors near the borders with Mohali, which facilitate quick escape, are categorised as high-risk zones. Other vulnerable areas include Sector 31 and nearby localities such as Hallomajra, Ram Darbar, and Sector 47.
Easy Targets and Patterns
Analysis of past snatching cases reveals that women, particularly elderly and middle-aged women, are the most common targets of chain and purse snatchers. Offenders often prefer victims walking alone, especially during early morning or evening hours, as they are perceived to be less likely to resist or chase the accused. Senior citizens wearing gold jewellery are repeatedly identified as easy targets, as snatchers believe they can flee before help arrives. Women commuters, morning walkers, and those travelling alone are commonly targeted in chain-snatching incidents, while mobile phone snatching often affects younger people and commuters. These patterns indicate that unescorted women and elderly citizens remain the primary focus of snatching gangs due to their perceived vulnerability and the likelihood of carrying valuables such as gold chains and handbags.
Historical Data
From January 2022 to March 2025, a total of 440 snatching cases were reported in Chandigarh. The yearly breakdown is as follows: 138 cases in 2022, 151 in 2023, and 131 in 2024. Despite a decline in numbers this year, residents remain cautious.
