Reacting to a snatch theft

TMM,Friday, February 25th, 2011

Our actions, especially those done spontaneously, are determined more by emotions than rationale

Last Monday’s snatch theft at Taman Megajaya, Ampang, has sparked public debates on what victims should do during such a crisis.

Some of the views expressed were more academic than pragmatic. With hindsight, it is much easier to think of a better way for anything.

The victim’s father, a former policeman, summed it succinctly that his daughter simply acted on instinct.

I, for one, have always thought that I am prepared to handle such a crisis. However, it proved otherwise when my wife’s necklace was snatched in front of me last Sunday.

I always wear jogging shoes when not working, so as to be ready to run away from danger, chase or defend myself.

I now realise criminals have an upper hand as they often strike when victims are not ready to deter the crime or put up a fight.

A combat-ready man may be able to match a criminal in a boxing ring but in real life it is not that simple.

When the snatch thief pounced on my wife while still astride a motorcycle, my first thought was an accident.

As the thief coolly rode off, I gave chase and shouted to frighten him and alert people nearby. I stopped after a short distance as the road was deserted.

I did not even look at the registration plate, assuming that the thief had failed to snatch my wife’s purse, which was still clutched under her arm.

Although she was walking ahead of me, I wasn’t looking at her and could not make out what was happening at the very instant.

Hypothetically, what could I possibly have done if the thief’s motorcycle had broken down? Yes, I would have shouted robbery in Cantonese as the two words are easily recognisable.

I would have tried to ensure the thief could not get away by damaging his motorcycle and injuring his legs with whatever materials I could find.

I am aware that not all snatch thieves carry knives as they could be caught at road blocks. However, a screw driver in a motorcycle toolkit could be used to cause grievous injury.

If the thief had been immobilised, he would likely have got a public bashing. I could only remind those overzealous, they could be jailed for causing death.

Exactly how we react in a crisis can be difficult to predetermine. Bear in mind our actions, especially those spontaneous, are dictated more by our emotions than rationale.

After all, even a smoker makes a wrong choice every time he lights a cigarette. The immediate gratification has proven to be stronger than the love for his health and family members.

YS Chan

Kuala Lumpur