11/27/2025
Chain Snatching Shocks Indian Community in Jersey City’s India Square
A shocking chain-snatching incident took place in broad daylight near India Square in Jersey City, New Jersey, targeting a Gujarati woman walking along the sidewalk. CCTV footage of the incident has gone viral, raising concern among local South Asian residents.
According to the video, a car stopped near the woman around 11 AM on November 25. A woman wearing a burqa stepped out and approached the victim, engaging her in conversation. Meanwhile, another man in the car distracted a passerby by asking for directions, keeping him from noticing the crime taking place.
Within seconds, the woman who approached the victim snatched the gold chain from her neck, ran back to the car, and escaped along with her accomplices. As soon as the vehicle sped away, the victim realized what happened, shouted for help, and nearby people rushed toward her.
Another video also surfaced showing how the chain was removed. The suspect first spoke to the victim calmly, appearing friendly. She then placed a fake chain-like item on the victim’s neck, and while doing so, swiftly removed the real gold chain before walking away. The victim tried to chase her, but the gang quickly fled in the waiting car.
Local residents can be heard speaking Gujarati in the footage, expressing shock and confusion, saying things like, “What happened? Were they thieves? They took her chain?”
Similar incidents have been reported previously in the New York–New Jersey area. A few months ago, a Gujarati woman in New York’s Flushing neighborhood was allegedly hypnotized and robbed of her jewelry during a similar encounter. Another Gujarati woman in New Jersey was also robbed outside her home last year.
In most cases, elderly South Asian women wearing visible jewelry are the main targets. Criminals often distract the victim, place fake jewelry on them, or use conversations as a way to remove valuables without immediate suspicion.
