Chain snatchers outsmart Panchkula cops with 12 PCR vans

PANCHKULA: Tall claims of Panchkula police to nab snatching gangs in the city are falling flat as even 12 PCR vans have failed to nab such gangs. Though cops said the PCR vans have been actively working in the area, residents still feel insecure. Bad street lighting is also proving to be a boon for these snatchers.
According to residents, PCR vans are not doing their duty as they claim, as the recent snatching incidents are proving their apathy.
President of CWA (Citizen Welfare Association) S K Nayyar, said, ''Residents fear to walk on roads. Earlier, only females were targeted by snatchers but now they have also started targeting males. In this scenario, how can the cops claim that they are doing their duty sincerely and efficiently. Moreover, they have failed to nab the snatchers.''
While residents are criticizing the police for their failure, officials are claiming shortage of staff and bad street lighting in the city as the reason for failure to nab snatchers. ''We are forced to perform our duty in the absence of proper lighting. In this setup it is very difficult to watch every movement during night,'' said a cop.
Panchkula DSP crime Ramchander Rathi too believes that bad street lighting is causing a nuisance for police in the night. ''Electricity department should take a serious note on the situation. Given the present circumstances, we are trying our best and have also caught some snatchers in the recent past,'' he added. However, Panchkula SP Maneesh Chaudhary admitted the increasing incidents in the city. ''We are going to increase nakas and patrolling in the city. I have called a meeting for different branches of the department. I assure that these notorious gangs will be nabbed soon,'' he added.
Chain & Purse Snatching
July 4: Two motorcycle borne youths snatched gold chain from resident of Sector 20. In another incident, on the same day, two motorcycle borne youths snatched a chain of a teacher in Sector 8. Also a Sector-11 resident lost her gold chain to two more motorcycle riding culprits
July 5: Thieves decamped with a purse with gold jewellery worth Rs 4 lakh from the owner of a jewellery shop in Sector 5