Pune :  Rising Mobile Theft Incidents in Balewadi’s Weekly Markets Spark Concerns, Police Vow Vigilance and Action

There has been an increase in cases of theft of mobile phones from weekly markets in Balewadi area, targeting senior citizens. Residents are demanding that the police increase patrolling in this area to curb the incidents of mobile phone theft. On Thursday (7^th March) too, an old man’s mobile phone was stolen when he went to buy vegetables at Dussehra Chowk in Balewadi.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Ameya Jagtap, Member, Balewadi Welfare Federation, said “The mobile theft incidents are not only happening in Balewadi but also Baner. Weekly markets are there in footpaths, several amenity spaces of the PMC etc in Balewadi where people buy vegetables, fruits etc. Several gangs of mobile thieves are very active in such areas. They prominently target senior citizens where, taking advantage of crowds, the thieves steal mobile phones & flee. This has been happening for more than a year now. We had created awareness amongst people about mobile thefts, after which the mobile stealing incidents had significantly reduced. But it is on the rise again.”

Ameya Jagtap further said “People have complained several times to the police about this. There is a poster pasted outside Balewadi police chowki which tells people to register mobile thefts online & then submit a copy to the Chatushrungi Police. However, it gets very difficult for senior citizens to register online complaints & submit a copy to the Chatushrungi Police. Hence, the police must register complaints by themselves. Also, only complaint registering goes on. But no redressal can be seen as you don’t know what happens with that complaint again.”

Ameya Jagtap further continued “The police must take the mobile theft incidents very seriously. The police only assure of patrolling & taking relevant action. However, that is not enough. The thieves should actually be caught by the police.” 

Ajay Kulkarni, Senior Police Inspector, Chatushrungi Police Station, said “Along with regular registering of complaints & listening to the citizens’ grievances, we are doing regular patrolling at all weekly markets by deploying police officers in civil clothes & beat marshal officers.”

Shreyas Vange