DIMAPUR, MAY 10 (MExN): Dimapur Police on Friday said numerous complaints have been reported across police stations of Commissionerate Districts of Dimapur of people becoming victims to money snatching gangs operating in around Dimapur and neighbouring States.
In a public advisory, Dy Commissioner of Police (Crime) 7 PRO stated that investigation into such frequently reported cases has unraveled the modus operandi of this currency snatching syndicate; details of which has been issued in the interest of public safety.
Surveillance & observation
One or two gang members goes inside the banks posing as customers and scan for potential victim. Attention is zeroed down to lone, elderly, vulnerable customers making withdrawals. Selected target is shadowed and information passed on to gang members deployed outside the bank.
Distraction technique
Once cash withdrawal is completed and customer leaves the bank, outside gang members are signaled and alerted. Distraction and attention diversion of target costumer is executed by secretly spraying coloring /itchy chemicals, or deliberately dropping of cash notes/wallets and informing the victim that their clothing is stained / personal belongings dropped et cetera.
Snatching
When the target is temporarily distracted by such attention diversion techniques employed, another gang member quietly snatch the cash or personal belongings and disappear.
Dimapur police revealed that these are inter-state gangs mostly based at neighboring districts of Assam. All available CCTV footages have been examined and effort is on to identify the persons involved.
In this regard, captured images of the suspects were released to the media. Any information on the identity, other details of suspects may be shared with the Dimapur Police in the interest of investigation in the Police Control Room No- 7085055050, the police have also requested.
Public have been cautioned to be aware of the prevalence of such scams, take utmost precaution and stay guarded against any such attempt from such gangs during financial transaction/transportation.
