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Purse Snatchers on the Prowl in Sharjah
SHARJAH - A series of purse snatching cases has raised serious concern among women in Sharjah amid a feeling among police officers that the trend was a result of the financial crisis that is prevalent all over.
“Several cases have been reported in various police stations,” a police officer said.
Most of the purse snatching cases took place during the evenings last week near shopping centres and outlets selling women’s garments.
The police officer said the thieves mostly targeted women who work as cashiers in outlets or those who run their own business.
“They plan their crime and watch the victims until they leave their outlets,” he said. “One of the culprits snatches the purse while another motor-cycle riding man helps in escaping.”
A senior officer from Sharjah Police said these kinds of financial crimes were expected to increase with the ongoing financial crisis that has resulted in many workers losing their jobs.
Awatif, manager of Multaqa Al Neelain textile outlets in the Al Musalla area, said that on November 27 evening, while she was crossing the road, an unidentified man snatched her purse.
She shouted for help and a man tried to chase the thief, but a motor-cycle rider picked him up and the pair disappeared.
“There was only Dh15 in the purse, apart from a passport, keys to the shop, car and house. I reported the matter to Al Heera police station but no breakthrough could be made in the case,” she added.
Raheel K., who works in an outlet in Sharjah Mega Mall, said that she left her work place on Friday evening to send money back home through an agent.
“At the Spinneys roundabout, I felt someone walking at a fast pace behind me. When I turned back to see who he was, he snatched my handbag,” she alleged. “The matter was reported to Al Gharb police station.”
Azza Khaleel from Al Qassimi area said she had a similar experience.
“Nothing was in my purse, except for cosmetic creams and Dh50. I didn’t report the matter to the police because I lost nothing and I didn’t want to waste time at the police station,” she said.
The Sharjah Police official said the authorities would be focusing on purse snatching cases as part of their crackdown.
“Purse snatching is a new trend as the thieves target only women because they know that they wouldn’t be able to run after them,” he said.
“The CID officers are now working round the clock to bust the gangs. Patrols have also been intensified to ensure safety and security of women at the shopping centres.”
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com
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