In recent weeks, Hyderabad has seen a troubling resurgence in cellphone snatching incidents, particularly during the night. Despite a previous crackdown by the police, which included decoy operations and even firing at snatchers to create fear, these crimes are once again on the rise. Senior officials are now taking these incidents very seriously, with strict action being taken against local law enforcement who fail to curb the issue.
Snatchers Targeting Lone Individuals:
The fear of being attacked by snatchers has returned among the city's residents, especially those who walk or ride bikes alone at night. Recently, two snatchers on a bike robbed a person of their cellphone in the Tukaramgate area. Another incident occurred near Charminar, where a man talking on his phone was suddenly attacked, and his phone was stolen. Fortunately, the police have managed to apprehend the culprits in both cases.
Visible Policing Concerns:
Despite the seriousness of the situation, there are concerns that the on-ground police teams are not taking enough proactive measures. The concept of visible policing—where police presence is meant to deter crime—is seemingly being neglected. Even though anti-snatching teams are actively patrolling, there are increasing complaints that local patrol units, like Blue Colts and foot patrols, are not maintaining regular vigilance, especially during the night.
High-ranking officials are scrutinizing daily reports, but without effective enforcement at the ground level, the safety of Hyderabad’s residents remains at risk. The police department is under pressure to intensify night patrols and increase visible police presence to ensure that such incidents are swiftly curbed.
