Thefts in trains on rise as passengers ignore Railway warnings

Kollam: Even as robberies are on the rise in trains, passengers chose not to heed to warnings issued by Indian Railways. The Railways protection force feels that the lack of cooperation from the side of the passengers impedes all the actions taken by them to control theft and such activities inside trains.

The protection force feels that passengers ignore the warnings not to take food items from strangers. The other day security officials, disguised as passengers, distributed sweets to others passengers in the AC compartment. Most passengers accepted the sweets without any hesitation. They were warned by the security officials. Upon inspection it was revealed that most women do not heed to the instruction not to reveal their valuable ornaments during train journeys. Thefts reported inside trains in the past few days were carried out mostly by women.

Passengers who stand close to the door of the train when it approaches the station also stand the risk of being robbed. A lady magistrate was robbed recently in a similar fashion.

Passengers sitting on the footrest and selfie craze is another major security challenge. Those adventurously taking selfies by hanging dangerously in trains are on the rise. Even women and children are also guilty of indulging in this craze.

A lot of inspections were conducted inside trains after it was reported that cleaners and maintenance workers were involved in some of the thefts taking place inside trains. Laptops of passengers were recovered from one of the maintenance workers. Awareness is being created regarding this via RPF Mitrayojana and with the help of passengers’ organisation. Classes are being held in various schools to improve awareness but Railway Protection Force says that passengers are ignoring such warnings.