Vijayawada: A fresh wave of chain-snatching incidents across Vijayawada, particularly around the Sri Kanaka Durga Temple on Indrakeeladri, the railway station and other busy localities, raised serious concerns over public safety.Police intensified surveillance after several women, including devotees and morning walkers, were targeted by bike-borne snatchers using increasingly sophisticated methods.According to police sources, the gang has been targeting women travelling alone, striking within seconds before speeding away. Recent incidents reported near the Kanaka Durga Temple and the Vijayawada railway station have triggered anxiety among residents and pilgrims, with many questioning the city’s law and order situation.Investigators believe the accused are constantly changing their modus operandi to evade detection. In several cases, the suspects allegedly used motorcycles fitted with fake number plates or without registration plates to avoid being identified by CCTV cameras. Police also suspect that the gang members disguise themselves as IT professionals or respectable office-goers to avoid attracting attention before carrying out the crimes.Officials said the snatchers are particularly active between 4.30 am and 8.30 am, when many women step out for morning walks or head to temples. The accused reportedly identify isolated victims and snatch gold chains in a matter of seconds before fleeing the scene.Despite the rise in incidents, Vijayawada city crime police have made progress in the investigation by analysing CCTV footage from multiple locations. Several suspects have already been arrested, and gold ornaments worth several lakh rupees have been recovered. Police said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the remaining members of the gang.Security has been strengthened around the Kanaka Durga Temple, residential areas, bus stations and railway stations, where chain-snatching cases have been reported frequently. Additional surveillance cameras and police patrols have also been deployed in vulnerable locations.Police have urged women to remain vigilant while travelling or walking alone. They advised devotees and commuters to avoid displaying gold jewellery in public, use footpaths rather than walking along roads, keep handbags securely with them while travelling in buses and auto-rickshaws, and park vehicles only in places with surveillance cameras.
