DHARWAD: Police in Dharwad city have said that patrol rounds of joggers' parks and public gardens have been increased after three reports of chain snatchings on Tuesday.
Two chain snatching incidents were in the suburban police station limits and one in the town police station limits. Sources said the miscreants used a stolen bike for the thefts. Sangamesh Didaginal, the police inspector at the town police station, told TOI that there had been no chain snatchings in the city for a few months but Tuesday's three incidents have made the police intensify their presence in places where morning walkers and joggers gather.
"We are not taking any chances. We have intensified our morning beat system to ensure the safety of joggers and to curb chain snatching incidents. Our teams, including women police constables and other staff, are visiting each jogging spot and garden in the city where women go for morning walks and are telling them to be aware of chain snatchers, not wear valuables during jogging and inform police immediately," he said.
"We are also patrolling on the Navalund and Savadatti roads to curb the movement of chain snatchers," he said.
He appealed to residents that they must call 112 for emergency services and seek police help immediately if they face or see any kind of crime. "We will soon nab the chain snatchers," he added.
Anasuya K, a resident, said: "We are a bit afraid to go for morning walks after the chain snatching incidents. We now plan to go in a group instead of going alone for a walk. Police should increase their vigil at jogging places in the morning and evening."
Ramesh Hugar, the police inspector of the Dharwad suburban police station, said: "We have formed teams to investigate recent chain snatching incidents. One team went to Maharashtra to nab the chain snatchers."
