Mohali: The daylight earring-snatching incident in Derabassi is the latest in a series of crimes targeting women across the Mohali region. Similar cases reported from Mohali city and Zirakpur in recent days have renewed concerns over public safety and the effectiveness of preventive policing.In the latest case, a man allegedly snatched a woman’s earrings in Derabassi before fleeing. The incident follows two recent cases in the region, including a chain-snatching in Mohali city and another in Zirakpur.Three days ago, two motorcycle-borne men allegedly robbed a woman of her gold chain in Mohali. In Zirakpur, a woman was similarly targeted for her jewellery.Mohali SSP Varun Sharma said, “Mohali police never sits back. Whenever we come across any such incident, FIR is registered, investigated and successfully cracked the case.”The recurring offences suggest a pattern in which criminals target pedestrians wearing gold ornaments and escape before help can arrive. The incidents have heightened anxiety among residents, particularly women moving about alone.CCTV clips expose crime trailSurveillance footage has emerged in several such cases, helping investigators reconstruct incidents and trace suspects. Residents, however, argue that repeated circulation of such videos highlights the need for stronger deterrence on the ground rather than relying solely on post-crime investigations.They say vulnerable stretches require more visible policing, especially in residential colonies, market areas and busy roads where offenders can blend into traffic and flee quickly.Residents seek preventive actionPeople across the region say arrests and investigations must be supplemented by steps aimed at prevention. Increased patrolling, stricter monitoring of vulnerable pockets and swift action against repeat offenders are among the measures being sought.With incidents reported from Derabassi, Mohali and Zirakpur within a short span, the challenge before the police extends beyond solving individual cases to ensuring that similar crimes do not recur.
