Chandigarh’s clean and organised city image has taken another hit after four snatching incidents were reported within 24 hours. According to reports, the incidents happened within a five-kilometre radius, making residents question whether phone and chain snatching is turning into a routine urban fear. The worrying part is that these were not isolated stories spread across months; they came almost back-to-back in one short window.
The police have reportedly arrested two suspects, Mohit, 18, and Ajay, 24, both from Dadumajra Colony, in connection with the recent incidents. Reports also said three of the four crimes came under Sector 39 police jurisdiction, with scooter-riding assailants involved. That pattern matters because repeated incidents in nearby areas often point to route familiarity, target selection, and weak deterrence.
What Happened In 24 Hours?
| Key Detail | Reported Information |
|---|---|
| Incidents reported | 4 snatching cases in 24 hours |
| Area spread | Within about five kilometres |
| Main jurisdiction | Three cases under Sector 39 police area |
| Suspects arrested | Mohit, 18, and Ajay, 24 |
| Items stolen | Phones, cash, jewellery, documents |
| Police response | Over 60 checkpoints and increased surveillance |
The victims reportedly included residents from Chandigarh, Punjab, and Mohali, showing that the problem is not limited to one neighbourhood or one type of commuter. Mobile phones, cash, jewellery, and important documents were stolen, which makes these crimes more damaging than a quick street theft. Losing a phone today means losing banking access, IDs, photos, contacts, OTP access, and personal data.
This is why calling it “just snatching” is careless. For many victims, the real damage begins after the incident. They must block SIM cards, secure bank apps, recover IDs, report documents, and deal with fear while travelling the same routes again. Street crime may last a few seconds, but the stress can continue for days.
Why Are Scooter-Borne Snatchers So Hard To Stop?
Scooter-borne snatching is effective because it is fast, low-cost, and difficult for victims to react to instantly. The attacker does not need a long confrontation. They approach from behind or the side, grab the phone or chain, and disappear into connecting lanes before the victim can process what happened.
Common snatching patterns include:
- Targeting people using phones near roadsides.
- Choosing women, elderly citizens, or distracted commuters.
- Operating during evening or low-visibility hours.
- Using scooters or bikes for quick escape.
- Selecting border areas where jurisdiction becomes tricky.
- Watching repeat routes near markets, sectors, and bus stops.
The uncomfortable truth is that many people make themselves easy targets without realising it. Walking with a phone loosely in hand near traffic, wearing visible jewellery in isolated stretches, or standing distracted near road edges gives snatchers exactly the opportunity they want.
Which Areas Are Reportedly High-Risk?
Reports identified southern sectors such as 38, 41, 42, 43, 44, 54, and 56, along with border areas near Mohali, as high-risk zones. These areas matter because movement between Chandigarh and adjoining regions creates multiple entry and exit points. Snatchers can exploit that mobility if police presence is weak or predictable.
Elderly women, especially those walking alone and wearing valuables, were also described as vulnerable targets. That is a harsh reality, but ignoring it would be dishonest. Criminals often choose victims based on ease, not morality. The safer response is not fear, but smarter movement, better policing, and public alertness.
What Are Police Doing Now?
Police have reportedly increased surveillance with more than 60 checkpoints operating across the city round-the-clock. The action followed orders from SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, with officers deployed in shifts and field presence strengthened during high-risk evening hours. This kind of visible policing can help, but only if it is unpredictable and intelligence-led.
Chandigarh has seen similar snatching concerns earlier too. In March 2026, snatchers struck thrice in a day, including a case where two youths were caught red-handed by the public in Manimajra after allegedly snatching a phone from a passer-by. That shows the latest four-case spike is part of a wider pattern, not a random one-day scare.
What Should Residents Do Now?
Residents should not panic, but they should stop being casual. Most street crimes are crimes of opportunity, and small habits can reduce risk. The goal is not to live scared; the goal is to stop giving criminals an easy opening.
Useful safety steps include:
- Do not use phones loosely near road edges.
- Keep bags on the side away from traffic.
- Avoid wearing visible jewellery in isolated stretches.
- Stay alert near sector-dividing roads and market exits.
- Note scooter number plates if suspicious activity repeats.
- Report snatching attempts quickly, even if nothing is stolen.
People also need to understand that delay helps criminals. If a phone is snatched, immediately block the SIM, secure UPI and banking apps, use device tracking, and file a police complaint. Waiting because “it is only a phone” is foolish when that phone may contain your entire digital life.
Conclusion: Is Chandigarh Still Safe?
Chandigarh is not suddenly unsafe everywhere, but the latest snatching cases are a clear warning. Four incidents in 24 hours, repeated use of scooters, and vulnerable zones near southern sectors and Mohali borders show that street criminals are exploiting predictable public behaviour and escape routes. The police response is necessary, but residents also need sharper habits.
The bigger issue is trust. A city known for order cannot allow phone snatching to become normal background noise. If police checkpoints, arrests, CCTV tracking, and public reporting work together, this spike can be controlled. If everyone treats it as “just another incident,” the snatchers will keep testing the city.
FAQs?
How many snatching cases happened in Chandigarh in 24 hours?
Reports said four snatching cases were reported in Chandigarh within 24 hours. The incidents happened within about a five-kilometre radius, with three of them falling under Sector 39 police jurisdiction. The pattern has raised concern among residents and police.
Who was arrested in the Chandigarh snatching cases?
Police reportedly arrested two suspects identified as Mohit, 18, and Ajay, 24, both residents of Dadumajra Colony. They are believed to be linked to the recent snatching incidents. Police also increased surveillance and checkpoints after the spike.
Which areas in Chandigarh are high-risk for snatching?
Reports identified southern sectors including 38, 41, 42, 43, 44, 54, and 56, along with border areas near Mohali, as higher-risk zones. These areas may offer easier movement and escape routes for scooter-borne snatchers. Residents should stay extra alert while walking near roadsides and market exits.
What should I do if my phone is snatched?
First, move to a safe place and report the incident to police immediately. Then block your SIM card, secure UPI and banking apps, change important passwords, and use device tracking if available. Do not delay, because a stolen phone can expose your money, identity, and personal data.