Belgavi: Chain-snatching has off late created a lot of menace for the police department in the city. With approx five cases registered every month police have been pressurized to crack the case at the earliest.

Despite the department taking several measures, the plight of the city continues. Offenders are targeting especially the aged women in the outskirts of the city and deserted areas

As many as 49 chain snatching cases have been registered in different police stations of city since November end of this year.

According to city police commissioner S Ravi, chain snatching has turned easiest and high income giving crime in these days. Police suspects Irani gang (Iran based) behind these crimes. Commissioners said Irani gang is professional in such crimes and working in different cities. Most of the candidates in this gang are young ones, he said.

He appealed public to take safety measures while going outside home with gold and call police as soon as possible on 100 number if the incident happens, which helps police to track the offender. Police nabbed three local youths in the recent past chain snatching cases.

Police department is emphasizing on creating awareness among public through displaying posters in different corners of the city, distributing pamphlets and telecasting the message on local TV channels. It has also increased morning beats of police in outskirts of city.