The life of a Dhakaite is a simple one - live and let live. This one simple rule is what makes Dhaka the dream city for muggers. With the rise of such incidents,  thieves are becoming more innovative in their trait to keep us constantly baffled with their means of stealing. This is not a tale of pickpockets, but of the more creative bunch of hooligans. So here are a few ways that you can get mugged in Dhaka city. Read on to find out more about these innovative mugging styles and be one step ahead of them! Remember the saying? Better to be safe than sorry.

1. Grab-N-Go

These people prioritize culture and keep tradition as a core component in their profession. They are believers of the old practice of ‘Grab-N-Go’. These guys are nimble and sporty as this act takes quite a lot of athleticism.  So keep in mind, these bands of people are skilled runners, jumpers, and obstacle conquerors. They target crowded areas because it is easier to blend into the crowd after the steal.

In a speedier version of the Grab-N-Go, muggers ride on motorcycles and simply grab whatever good is in sight and close to hand. They escape easily by simply notching up the gear.

Precaution: Ladies, hold on to your purses tightly, preferably close to your body. It makes it harder for the thief to get hold of your purse and men chain your wallets to your belts!

2. Ointment squad

These muggers believe in the power of the locally made products especially ones with a burning effect. Commonly known as the ‘Molom Party’, this group of miscreants sneak up to unsuspecting people and rub toxic ointment or balm into the victims’ eyes causing temporary blindness. Robbing automatically becomes easier with the added advantage of remaining anonymous and without the hassle of using any force. This sort of incident usually occurred in CNGs when they did have the caged doors to protect passengers  but now it still continues to happen in narrow alleys of the city and inside buses usually late at night.

After effects: Do not rub your eyes after the ointment  has been applied to them, it makes the burning worse. Splash cold water into your eyes after the robbing is done.

3. Pickup crew

This crew is all about the theatrics. They operate using a pickup van with the usual artilleries and usually target people who are standing alone, preferably waiting for a ride. They stop right in front of the person to avoid any witnesses, and yank him/her into the van. This is the ultimate scare factor since the victim is unaware it is a petty theft, s/he thinks it is an abduction. The crew takes advantage of this created confusion and throws massive threats, and shows some silver.  As the van speeds throughout the city, the muggers take all their belongings (still working on the fear factor). When their thirst is quenched, they drop the person off at any random location and speed away, leaving the victim praising the lord in mercy.

Precaution: When waiting for a vehicle it is better to be waiting in a crowd. Stay away from pickup vans. It is unadvisable to take the private cars who offer rides as well.

4. The smooth criminal

These are the small band of muggers who are too nonchalant for their own good. They seek their prey in traffic jams, preferably feeble in looks and alone in vehicle. So the mugger simply goes up to the rickshaw, coyly brandishes the knife to the passenger and says, “Deksen eta ki?” (Do you see what this is?) “Give me all you have, or else…..” he threats with an aura of cool that is confusing for the one being mugged. The smooth criminal also throws in a, “don’t do anything stupid, or else you will regret it”. This is where the victim starts to think, “Hey, this guy is pretty decent. Might as well give him my money without being stabbed.” After the cordial transaction, the goon will walk among the mass like nothing was ever wrong in the world.

Precaution: Don’t take out your phone on the rickshaw if it is not necessary. Stay alert and do not negotiate with the thief.

5. At the moment (ATM)

This is the lone wolf, a criminal who is dangerous and works from the shadows.  ATM booths have sprouted in every corner of Dhaka and city dwellers use them frequently. This person makes best use of the frequency of this event.

After you’ve entered the booth they force their way in, sharp weapons in hand.. Then they force you to draw out the money you have in your account. Afterwards, they get out and just run for their lives. Sometimes this has ended in a tragedy so be alert!

Precaution: When entering an ATM booth make sure the security guard is there. Avoid entering booths without a guard.

Now that you know all about these new and cutting edge stealing techniques hitting the market, be aware when you are on the streets. Get those Kung Fu panda moves out if you do come across these guys and give them the surprise of their lives. Just kidding!