Snatch theft menace

TS,Friday, February 25 2011 

The snatch theft at Taman Mega Jaya in Ampang – ‘A very gory end for snatch thief (The Star, Feb 22) - has sparked public debate on what victims should do during such a crisis. 

Some of the views expressed were more academic than pragmatic. 

On hindsight, it is much easier to think of a better way for anything. The victim’s father, a former policeman, summed it succinctly that her daughter simply acted on instinct. 

I, for one, have always thought that I would be 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 from danger, chase or defend myself. 

I now realise that criminals have an upper hand as they often strike when victims lest expect them. 

A combat-ready man may be able to match a criminal in a boxing ring but in real life he is not on guard all the time. 

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

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. 

As the thief coolly rode off, I gave chase and shouted to frighten him and alert people ahead. 

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. 

I am aware that not all snatch thieves carry knives as they can be caught at road blocks. 

However, a screwdriver in a motorcycle tool kit can be used to cause grievous injury. 

If the thief has been immobilised, he would likely got a public bashing. 

I can only remind those overzealous that they can be jailed for causing death. 

Exactly how we would react in a crisis can be difficult to predetermine. 

Bear in mind that our actions, especially those that are spontaneous, are dictated more by our emotions than rationale. 

YS Chan 

Kuala Lumpur