Chennai: Watch out for these Diwali special gangs

CHENNAI: With Diwali almost here you may be out shopping, but beware of conmen and criminal gangs out there looking to snatch your gold chains, cash mobile phones while you a tracted by the crowds and goods on display in the stor According to the Chennai police, not just criminals from across Tamil Nadu but even gangs from other states arrive in the city during festival time hoping for easy pickings. The time, police are on their toes losing for three gangs that have come from Delhi, Mumbai and Tirunnamalai.



They have formed special teams and have begun cracking down on suspects staying at lodges. Police arrested two people who had put lodge in Periamet. During questi they told police that other gang reached the city, where women known to wear more gold in public during the festive season. “They confessed the gangs have plans to target women venture out in the morning for walk to buy milk or draw kolam in front their houses,” said an investigating officer who apprehended the suspects. Police said these criminals often fly into the city but take the train on their way back home with their booty to avoid the stringent security checks at the airport.


While miscreants from Delhi snatch gold chains, gangs from Mumbai — who police have identified as Iranians — specialize in robbing shoppers of cash and gold after diverting their attention. Retired police officer R Siva Sankar, who has dealt with such cases, said, “They approach the elderly wearing gold and advise them to hide valuables saying robbers are on the prowl. Once they follow their ‘orders’, the men snatch the gold.”

The swelling crowds of shoppers also attract pickpockets in large numbers. They often operate in the guise of family units out shopping. Police have received inputs on such gangs from Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram. These pickpockets work as a team; while one member strikes up a conversation with the target, another picks his pocket.