Two incidents involving jewellery theft from young children in Bhopal and Patna have raised questions about whether thieves are targeting infants for the jewellery they wear. In both cases, the suspects allegedly removed jewellery from children using a blade or by cutting a thread around the neck. In Bhopal, an eight-month-old baby was sitting on her mother's lap when a man approached from behind and cut the thread around her neck to steal her jewellery. The incident was reported on October 28, 2026. In Patna, another man allegedly used a blade to remove a locket from a child's neck. The incidents have drawn attention to the risks children face when wearing jewellery in public places. Bhopal recorded a 14% rise in thefts during the first nine months of 2026, despite increased police patrolling and surveillance. In Patna, police have ordered the public parading of arrested chain-snatchers and habitual offenders as a measure to deter crime. In March 2026, Bengaluru police arrested a man accused of stealing jewellery from children at weddings and public gatherings. Police recovered more than 130 grams of gold jewellery and other valuables from his possession. These incidents also raise concerns about injuries to children. Cutting a thread with a blade or suddenly pulling a chain can injure a child around the neck. Infants and toddlers cannot recognise danger or protect themselves. There is no national data specifically documenting jewellery thefts targeting children. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recorded more than 12,600 snatching cases in the last six months of 2024, but the figures did not specify how many involved chain-snatching. Parents can reduce the risk by avoiding expensive jewellery on young children, particularly in crowded markets, railway stations and public gatherings. Public venues also need functioning CCTV cameras, visible security staff and procedures for reporting thefts to help identify suspects and investigate incidents.