Police use delivery app to bust mobile snatching syndicate
In a dramatic twist straight out of a crime thriller, Delhi Police used a Blinkit chocolate delivery to track down and arrest two mobile snatchers and their middleman, busting a snatching syndicate and recovering an iPhone 14 Pro along with other stolen property.
The breakthrough came after police placed a chocolate order on February 9, celebrated by many as “Chocolate Day” during Valentine’s week, using the suspect’s mobile number and posing as a secret admirer. The delivery trail led officers straight to the accused’s precise location in Wazirabad.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Anant Mittal said the operation reflected the “professionalism, vigilance and unwavering commitment” of the district police. He said multiple snatching and theft cases have been worked out, and further investigation is underway to trace the receiver of stolen phones and dismantle the wider network.
The case began on February 9 when a consultant working in a private firm approached the DBG Road police station to report that his daughter’s iPhone 14 Pro had been snatched. The girl was standing outside Gate number 2, Amarlies, booking an Uber cab when two youths on a scooty suddenly grabbed the phone and fled towards DCM Road, Double Phatak.
Investigators scanned CCTV footage and verified locations in Sangam Vihar and Wazirabad. A secret informer provided a mobile number linked to one of the suspects, Mohd. Namir alias Namiruddin, 25, a resident of Wazirabad.
Police had a rough idea of his area of location and his phone number. But they needed his exact location. That is when they used Blinkit’s delivery feature.
Posing as a secret admirer, the team placed a chocolate order using the suspect’s number. As the Blinkit delivery partner moved to complete the order, police discreetly followed him. The delivery led them directly to Namir’s location. He was apprehended on the same day.
