Mobile phone thefts surge on trains in Kerala; Special Squad deployed

Kannur: Mobile phone thefts have been increasing in trains in Kerala, according to the police. In Kannur alone, the railway police received 20 complaints related to mobile phone theft in October. Of these, the police were able to recover 15 phones by tracking the locations.

Last month, two mobile phones worth ₹1.03 lakh, belonging to two natives of Kuttikkol, Kasaragod, were stolen from the Antyodaya Express (16335). The police arrested a 19-year-old youth in connection with the theft. The accused, KS Muhammad Suhail from Kongad, was apprehended by the railway police squad in Palakkad. Police said they have recovered several phones from Suhail also. 

In another incident, a 63-year-old man from Kallakurichi, near Salem, was arrested for stealing a mobile phone from the waiting room of Kannur railway station. Although the phone's tower location indicated that it was in the sea, it was later recovered from a quarters in Mahe.

Anti-Theft Squad Formed

To tackle the rise in thefts, an anti-theft squad has been formed with the assistance of the Railway Police. The squad's activities have been intensified to prevent thefts in trains. It will operate from Kozhikode, Shoranur, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram circles. According to the police, thieves often take advantage of passengers' carelessness as phones and bags are left unattended on seats or berths. The thefts are also linked to a network of thieves who sometimes use children to carry out the crimes, as children are less likely to be suspected.

CCTV Cameras

Although decisions have been made to install surveillance cameras in trains, progress on this initiative has been delayed due to technical issues. Railway authorities confirmed that new LHB coaches have been equipped with CCTV in AC coaches, and steps are being taken to install cameras in sleeper coaches as well. 

In some trains, there may not be enough staff to guard the coaches during the night. In such cases, self-protection is of utmost importance for passengers, says the police.