7-Member Snatching Gang Busted in Delhi’s Rohini: Dozens of Stolen Phones Recovered in Crackdown

In a significant breakthrough for local law enforcement, a seven-member gang specializing in chain-snatching and mobile thefts was apprehended in Delhi’s Rohini area, bringing a sense of relief to residents who’ve been grappling with a surge in petty crimes over the past few months.

The operation, which unfolded over the weekend, was the result of meticulous planning, surveillance, and coordination by the local police team. Acting on multiple complaints filed by victims—mostly involving youth on bikes or scooters suddenly snatching phones or chains before disappearing into traffic—police intensified patrolling in high-risk zones.

According to officials involved in the bust, the suspects had been operating in a well-organized manner. Most of the gang members were in their early to mid-twenties and had prior criminal records. “They were extremely agile, targeting people during early morning or late evening hours when the roads were relatively less crowded. Most of the time, they aimed at solo walkers or people using their phones in public,” said a senior police officer from the Rohini district.

Authorities revealed that over 30 stolen mobile phones were recovered during the operation, alongside several two-wheelers that were allegedly used in their crimes. Some of the vehicles were found to be stolen as well, bearing fake license plates—a common tactic to throw off investigations.

What made this gang particularly evasive was their ability to disappear into narrow lanes and congested colonies after committing the thefts. They also frequently changed their hideouts, which made tracking them all the more challenging. However, sustained technical surveillance, including scrutiny of CCTV footage and digital tracking, finally led the police to their location.

The arrests were made following a series of coordinated raids. Each member had a specific role—from the ‘rider’ who maneuvered the getaway bike, to the ‘snatcher’ who would execute the grab with shocking speed and precision. Investigations also suggest that the gang had a local network to resell stolen phones—either by altering the IMEI numbers or shipping them to smaller towns where digital trails are harder to follow.

Locals in the area expressed relief after the arrests. “There have been so many incidents where people were robbed in broad daylight. I personally know two neighbors who had their phones snatched just last month,” said Rekha Sharma, a resident of Sector 24, Rohini. “It’s good to finally see some action being taken. People had almost given up on filing complaints because they thought nothing would come of it.”

The arrested individuals are currently being interrogated, and police believe more arrests could follow. Authorities are now trying to trace the entire supply chain that facilitated the resale and digital wiping of stolen devices.

Police have also urged residents to remain vigilant, especially when using mobile devices in public areas. Advisory notices are expected to be issued soon as part of a broader campaign to raise awareness and encourage safer public behavior.

This successful operation sends a strong message to street-level criminals across the capital: Delhi Police is watching—and they’re ready to act.