CCTVs help cops arrest 2 chain snatchers

PUNE: The Vishrantwadi police monitored footage of over 200 CCTV cameras to identify and arrest two persons involved in three chain snatchings and two vehicles thefts during the lockdown period
The suspects, Vikram Pande (35) and Vikram Jadhav (28), told the police that they resorted to committing the crimes because it had become difficult for them to survive during the lockdown, said senior inspector Arun Avhad of the Vishrantwadi police said.
On June 8, the suspects had snatched an elderly woman’s gold chain worth Rs50,000 in Dhanori, while riding a stolen motorcycle. Their images were captured on the CCTV cameras.
The police analysed various parts of the city and identified the routes the robbers had used before and after the crime. This helped them trace the bike’s registration number and identify the places where the vehicle was parked in Wagholi. The police laid a trap, but the duo started using another bike to snatch gold chains.
After examining more cameras and conducting technical investigations, the police identified Pande and arrested him from Kharadi on June 25 and seized the bike stolen from Yavatmal. His accomplice Jadhav was arrested later that day.
Avhad said, “During questioning, the duo admitted to their involvement in snatching three gold chains in Dhanori, Chandannagar and Vimannagar during the lockdown. They also admitted to stealing the bikes from Vimannagar and Yavatmal. We have recovered stolen items worth Rs2 lakh from them.”
The officer said the duo would remain in police custody remand till June 29. “We are questioning them about their suspected involvement in other cases,” he added.