Police have appealed to citizens to remain alert and help them in curbing such crimes.
Mumbai: Markets across the city are witnessing huge crowds of shoppers ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi. However, pickpockets and mobile phone thieves are also taking advantage of this rush. Mumbai Police has warned citizens to keep their wallets, mobile phones, and other valuables secure, otherwise the festive shopping spree might end with your wallet being “immersed” instead of Lord Ganesha’s idol.
Mobile Phones are The New Target
With gold prices soaring, many women are opting for anti-tarnish and imitation jewelry like bentex mangalsutras, earrings, bangles, chains, and necklaces. This has shifted thieves’ focus more toward stealing mobile phones.
Police Patrolling in Civil Dress
Keeping in mind the festive crowds, Mumbai Police is fully prepared. Officers in plain clothes are patrolling busy markets and closely monitoring CCTV footage, while also keeping tabs on criminals with a past record.
Caution While Traveling in Buses
- On August 13, a security guard named Dilipkumar Mandal lost his mobile phone while traveling in a BEST bus near Elco Residency, Bandra (West). A case has been registered at Bandra Police Station.
- At the Indian Oil bus stop in Andheri (West), a mobile phone worth ₹40,000 was stolen from Suraj Singh’s pocket while boarding BEST bus route no. 242. Amboli Police are investigating.
- At Vakola bus stop, three unidentified persons stole a mobile phone worth ₹27,000 from passenger Sail Kharwade while he was boarding a bus. Vakola Police are probing the case.
