Cops on alert after 3 chain-snatchings this mnth in Salcete

MARGAO: With three incidents of chain-snatching having been reported from various parts of Salcete this month, police have stepped up vigilance to prevent such crimes. Police, however, have failed to detect any of the three incidents so far.
On May 13, two separate cases of chain-snatching were reported—one at Margao town and the other at Fatorda police station. Both the incidents occurred within a span of two hours. In both cases, the accused arrived wearing helmets on a motor-cycle and snatched the chains from behind. Both victims were women in their forties. While in the first case, the woman’s mangalsutra was robbed near Pedda, Margao, in the other, the culprits targeted the woman near the PWD office, Fatorda, and fled with a gold chain. Police had surmised that the same people could be involved in both the cases.
Last week, alertness on the part of a woman foiled attempts of another chain-snatching at Raia. Police booked an offence against unknown persons in this case following a complaint lodged by Raia resident Maira Coutinho.
Coutinho, in her police complaint, said she was walking down the road leading to Margao from Raia, with a female companion. A two-wheeler rider then came from behind and tried to snatch the gold ornaments she was wearing. However, her companion, showing presence of mind, kicked the two-wheeler causing the rider to lose his balance and fall. However, he fled with his bike. Investigations are under way.