Female riders, beware of women with babies in arms asking for alms

New robbery tactic

Female riders and drivers, think twice before showing sympathy to women who beg holding babies in their arms. You may end up being robbed in broad daylight.

Police have been grappling with such incidents over the last few days, especially on Tumakuru Road in northern Bengaluru.

Take the case of Sheetal (name changed), who is a software developer at a private firm. Riding a motorcycle on the evening of August 4, she was at Nagasandra junction waiting for the traffic signal to turn green. A woman with a baby in her arms approached her asking for alms.

Even before Sheetal could decide on entertaining her, the woman appeared to be fainting. Sheetal reacted quickly and tried to hold the baby in her arms. Just then, a woman, along with some men, rushed to them. Before Sheetal could figure out what happened, they snatched her sling bag that had cash and a gold chain and fled the spot. The woman with the baby also disappeared in no time.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Sheetal said she had witnessed something similar a few days ago. “Local shopkeepers came up to me and also recalled witnessing similar incidents. They said that most victims often walk away depressed after losing their valuables and don’t go to police,” she said. “We cannot blame the police for not acting because they do not get complaints.”

A senior police officer said another incident had happened in Peenya on August 4. A woman was about to board a bus and another female with a baby came up to her and acted like she was falling off the bus while boarding it. When the victim helped her hold the baby, another woman came and snatched her wallet that contained a gold chain and cash. Their total value was Rs 40,000. Such similar incidents are certainly on the rise, he said.

Police recently arrested a gang of women and men from Hosur that robbed people with a similar modus operandi. To prevent such crimes, a team of police personnel, including women staff, is patrolling traffic junctions and bus stands at Peenya and the surrounding areas. “There are a few suspects and we will question them,” the officer said. “They are committing crimes in the guise of begging. This needs attention.”

Police have asked the public to be careful and avoid strangers. Usually people feel pity for women with babies and try to help them. They should remain alert and not entertain strangers. Police patrol cars will also make announcements, asking the public to beware of strangers.