Beware Of Gold Snatchers

From a young age, we are taught to understand the difference between ‘my’ and someone else’s belongings. We are also given lessons on how stealing is a really bad habit. Despite these lessons, theft and robbery are rampant in our society. As people go into the phase of adulthood, there are personal motives that drive them to take up this path. Mainly the desire for financial growth pushes people to such extremes.

The current rising problem of unemployment and unavailability of other sources of livelihood have prevented people from making a proper living. As a result, robbery and theft are on the rise. Snatching away pieces of golden jewellery has lately emerged as a major issue in the Kathmandu Valley. A news report recently portrayed how five robbers belonging to the same group were caught by the police in Kathmandu. The police had received complaints from multiple victims about getting looted by the robbers. All the victims were women. The police got its hands on two motorbikes, 11.2 grams of gold and 47 grams of gold necklaces.

 Likewise, the police got hold of three individuals from Lalitpur who had attempted to grab gold chains from women four times. They were only successful twice in their attempts where they stole the gold chains owned by two female pedestrians. These crimes were found being committed early in the mornings, when people are on morning walks and during the day time when women bring their children back home from school. 

Jewellery items like gold chains and other ornaments are very common today. The ornaments are considered a major indication of social status, thus the heightened interest for them. Besides, articles of gold jewellery are also termed as a long-term investment for most. On top of all this, gold prices in the country have reached an all-time high. In early June, the gold price had hiked to a record level and the scenario continues. Therefore, it is obvious that they hold a really high value for everyone. 

Because CCTVs have been installed in places in very few numbers and some of them are not found functioning well, it is very difficult for the police to monitor and keep check on the robbers. The news reports have highlighted how the same group of robbers has been involved in such crimes frequently. And a lack of clarity in the CCTV has made it difficult for the police to recognise the robbers. However, repeated offences have helped the authorities to finally get hold of them. 

It is necessary that people are made alert of the increasing number of gold-chain snatching activities. Wearing a number of jewellery pieces can easily attract the attention of a certain group of people who are always on the lookout for some easy targets. While not wearing jewellery is not a long-term solution, to an extent, it can protect people from losing their belongings. Likewise, the police must be on high alert. CCTVs and other security related technologies should be installed in different places, especially in secluded areas, in view of such crimes. Doing so can keep the robbers alert and they will rethink before committing any such crime. 

The rising socio-economic disparities and the existence of gold and other valuables as a sign of socio-cultural and religious significance prompt people to get involved in criminal activities. This rising vulnerability requires immediate actions from both individuals and authorities. By fostering awareness, adopting precautionary measures and enhancing security infrastructure, we can collectively work towards curbing these crimes and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of people.