Chain-snatchers seem forever on the prowl. These two, however, did it with a difference — they targeted men.

The Kalachowkie police recently arrested two people, including a minor, for snatching chains of several men.

The accused, who has been identified as Sadam Shaikh, 27, is a history-sheeter. Though Shaikh had committed previous offences on his own, the police said that he had trained the minor to snatch chains while he rode the bike.

Bhausaheb Gite, senior inspector, said, “Shaikh has been operating for a few years. He has confessed to the crime and also the fact that he had started targeting men recently.”

According to the police, Shaikh would use young boys so that nobody suspected any foul play. The bike used in the crime would be stolen a few days in advance. He would tamper with its registration plate so that nobody could note down the number. Once Shaikh spotted his target, he would brief the minor and ride the bike close to the victim, giving his accomplice an opportunity to snatch the chain, after which he would speed off.

The police said Shaikh had recently started targeting men as they aren’t usually victimised and, hence, are soft targets. The duo was arrested on Sunday from central Mumbai. The 15-year-old was sent to Dongri Children’s Home.

Shaikh’s custody has been handed over the Byculla police as he has several cases registered with them as well.