Preventing Snatch Thefts – an Open Speech
Snatch theft is a criminal act. It is an act of forcefully stealing from a pedestrian while employing rob-and-run tactics. The local media, especially the local dailies, have been replete with reports of snatch thefts. The barrage of media reports has caused more than a sense of anxiety, it has caused fear and panic among residents. Recently, there has been a spate of snatch thefts in our area. Snatch thefts tend to escalate during festive seasons and holidays. Hotspots of snatch thefts are quiet and deserted areas such as residential areas, by the roadside, in lifts, and around the bank.
Snatch thieves choose their targets carefully. They often strike when people are off guard. They home in on people who are alone and those who are distracted. Clearly women are viewed as the weaker sex, and therefore an easy target for such opportunistic crime. Women and senior citizens are especially susceptible as they may be unable to defend themselves. Often the victims are seriously injured or even killed. To avoid becoming potential victims, we should take simple crime prevention measures. While we have always had snatch thefts in our country, over the past few years, they have been on the rise, especially in urban cities.
Do not walk alone especially in dark and deserted areas. Take your handbag only if necessary. It is better to carry your purse. Always hold handbags and personal belongings close to the body. If a snatch thief tugs at your handbag, do not hold on to it. Just let it go. Although you may never be able to retrieve your belongings, it is better than to hang on to it and suffer injuries inflicted by the perpetrators. Keep important or valuable items out of sight and be careful of suspicious-looking motorists or persons. Always be alert and attentive to your surroundings. If you suspect that you are being targeted, walk to a crowded area. Walk against the flow of traffic and hold on to your handbag on the side away from passing motorists.
While many of the victims are left with a feeling of anger and helplessness, there are methods to actually reduce the number of snatch theft incidents. Be careful of suspicious-looking motorists or persons. Snatch thieves often approach potential victims on the pretext of striking up a conversation or asking for directions. I think a better method would be to look into longer-term and more sustainable ways to lower crime rates concurrently. If someone approaches you, always keep a safe but polite distance. avoid wearing excessive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash. Do not flaunt cash and valuables in public. Instead, you should always be observant of your surroundings. We need to study why people turn to crime in the first place.
Snatch thefts are crimes of opportunity. The ways to prevent such petty crimes are many and, most of the time, come at a cost. They occur because people do not take the preventive measures mentioned. Not only that, but these are also temporary preventive measures akin to taking painkillers that take away the pain rather than looking at the root cause. Snatch thefts can be prevented if people are vigilant at all times.
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