Hyderabad: The most common theft that occur on moving trains and platforms is through zip operations. On the platforms, the suspects mingle with crowd at ticket counters, escalators, foot over bridges or while entering crowded trains and commit the offence at the blink of an eye. Unlike other thefts, zip operations involve less planning and less risk. Even in major crimes like the recent Godavari Express theft, the suspects followed a similar procedure, said the police.
Police warns the public that in addition to being alert while travelling, passengers should also ensure that their luggage is safe to carry valuables and lock them properly. In 2017, passengers lost around 500 grams of gold jewellery and other valuables in 50 zip operation cases reported under Secunderabad railway zone.
In the Godavari Express theft, 126 tolas of gold and Rs 5 lakh cash, all worth around Rs 43 lakh was stolen. Police found that the victim had kept the entire jewellery and the cash in one bag. The victim, who was travelling with her family, was carrying around six luggage bags in an AC compartment of the train. They secured all their bags in the space near the coach attender except the one that they kept under their berth.
“They took precaution to lock the trolley suitcase with a safety chain but forgot to lock the suitcase, which made the work of the suspects easier,” Mr S. Rajendra Prasad, superintendent of police (incharge), Secunderabad railway police, said. He further said that passengers should also be cautious about people moving around suspiciously.
Mr Prasad added that callousness of the railway personnel in allowing passengers without a valid ticket into AC compartment is also a reason for thefts in trains. Duty staff should ensure that they collect valid identification details of passengers.
