Chandran (41) of Vazhudhalambedu, who works as a salesman at a Tasmac at Red Hills-Tiruvallur road junction, was about to close the shop when three men entered the outlet and threatened him at knifepoint.

After snatching his phone, the gang took out a few liquor bottles and tried to flee. When two other customers tried to stop them, the gang attacked them as well and escaped with their mobile phones. Based on a complaint, Red Hills police have registered a case and have launched a hunt for the suspects.

Similarly, a 29-year-old private firm employee was snatched of his phone in Tiruvottiyur on Wednesday night. The victim, E Anand of Jothi Nagar, was talking to a friend in front of his house when four men on two-wheelers snatched his phone and sped away. Based on his complaint, Sathangadu police registered a case.