'93% of pickpockets in Metro stations are women'

New Delhi: Over 93 per cent of pickpockets caught at Metro stations are women, data provided by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has shown.

Till December 31, 2017, as many as 1,222 female and 89 male pickpockets were nabbed from 140 Metro stations.

"Women pickpockets camouflage their actions by deploying a clever modus operandi. They are usually accompanied by a child to evade suspicion. In most cases, it was found that women who were apprehended seemed the least suspicious," a CISF official said. CISF said it has intensified its drive against women pickpockets in Delhi Metro.

To combat the rising number of women pickpockets, CISF deploys women personnel in plain clothes. However, there is lack of complaints received against female pickpockets.

The data further shows that as much as Rs 68,22,584 of unattended cash was handed over to the rightful owner and only 18 cases of arms and ammunition being carried in Metro were recorded in 2017.

In 'Operation Kali', in 2017, CISF deboarded and fined 1,941 male passengers from coaches reserved from ladies.

"22 dedicated flying squads of CISF personnel were formed to ensure safe environment for women commuters. This team covers all areas in and around the platform, as well as inside Metro trains. Patrolling of unpaid areas at late hours has been intensified and our quick response team regularly cover such isolated areas at Metro stations," official said.