Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MB)
Mangalore, Oct 4: Cases of loot by suddenly diverting innocuous citizens' attention by miscreants seem to have resurfaced in the city in the recent days.
A number of cases had been reported in the first half of 2006 and after the police stepped up the vigil and issued repeated cautions to the public, few instances were heard of since.
Two such cases were reported on Wednesday, both in proximity of each other - near Hampankatta post office and in the old service bus stand. In one of the cases, since there were no valuables, the bag was found abandoned nearby the soon after.
An inter-state gang is said to be operating in the city and around. The police have warned the public against their operation. They appear to be specialized in snatching handbags and briefcases and attache cases with money. They normally target persons walking out of jewellery shops, finance firms, post offices and banks.
Their trademark modus operandi is by trailing persons carrying cash and valuables from the premises to their vehicles, drop some loose currency notes on the ground near the vehicle. Suddenly, they would alert the persons saying that he or she had dropped some money on the ground. Thus diverting the attention of the owner, they would snatch the valuables and flee.
Past records show that the crooks could also splash dirt or muck on the persons' clothes and when they keep the bag down to clear the dirt, the bag would be snatched. The police have warned the public to be cautious in such situations.
Those carrying valuables and cash are requested to keep a watch if anyone follows them. If any stranger, in suspicious circumstances, tries to communicate with them with suspect motives, they have to contact the police at once, police inspector Vinay A Gaonkar has appealed.
Reports say that the gang-members speak in Tamil. The police have formed a special team to nab them.
Repeat warnings, recurring episodes: