The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 810 snatchers from various areas of the capital over the past three months-October, November, and December.
At a press conference held at the DMP Media Centre on Sunday, Mohammad Nasirul Islam, Joint Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB-South), shared this information.
In response to a journalist's question about the increase in snatching in the capital, Nasirul Islam said that the DB and local police have already set up checkposts in various areas of Dhaka to curb snatching. The number of checkposts has been increased, and in addition to patrols, intelligence surveillance has been stepped up.
He added that after reviewing the criminal database, several snatching gangs have been identified, and operations are ongoing. The DB and local police are conducting operations in crime-prone areas through their sources.
Highlighting the statistics of snatcher arrests, the DB officer stated that in October, 98 snatchers were arrested; 148 in November; and 564 in December, all from various areas of the capital. Additionally, 374 snatchers were arrested in the first 11 days of January.
He further mentioned that police activities to prevent snatchings are ongoing. He expressed hope that with these arrests, and as the snatchers are brought to justice and imprisoned for various cases, their numbers will decrease, and the city will be rid of this menace.
The Deputy Police Commissioner (DC) of DMP's Media and Public Relations Division, Mohammad Talebur Rahman, and the DC of the Ramna Zone, Masud Alam, were also present during the briefing.