The Balewadi area in Pune is grappling with a surge in mobile theft incidents, particularly in its weekly markets, leaving senior citizens as the primary targets. Concerned residents are urging the police to intensify patrolling efforts in the area to curb the rising menace of mobile phone theft. The latest incident occurred on Thursday (7th March) when an elderly man had his mobile phone stolen while purchasing vegetables at Dussehra Chowk in Balewadi.
Ameya Jagtap, a member of the Balewadi Welfare Federation, expressed his concern, stating, “Mobile theft incidents are not limited to Balewadi alone but also extend to Baner. Weekly markets on footpaths and various amenity spaces of the PMC in Balewadi are prime locations for people to buy vegetables and fruits. Numerous gangs of mobile thieves are highly active in these areas, particularly targeting senior citizens amidst crowded scenarios, making a swift escape after stealing mobile phones. This trend has been on the rise for over a year now, despite previous awareness campaigns.”
Jagtap added, “Residents have lodged several complaints with the police regarding these incidents. While a poster outside Balewadi police chowki encourages people to register mobile thefts online and submit a copy to the Chatushrungi Police, the process poses challenges for senior citizens. It is essential for the police to proactively register complaints on behalf of the victims. Furthermore, merely registering complaints is not sufficient; there is a lack of visible redressal, leaving citizens in the dark about the fate of their complaints.”
Stressing the urgency of the matter, Jagtap insisted, “The police need to treat mobile theft incidents with the seriousness they deserve. While patrolling and assurances of taking action are commendable, it is imperative for the police to apprehend the thieves to provide effective deterrence.”
Ajay Kulkarni, Senior Police Inspector at Chatushrungi Police Station, responded to the concerns, saying, “In addition to regular complaint registration and addressing citizen grievances, we have intensified patrolling efforts at all weekly markets. Our officers, both in plainclothes and beat marshals, are actively monitoring the situation to curb mobile theft incidents.”
