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By J.A. Getzlaff

June 05, 2000 | That money belt tucked under your shirt isn't going to do much good if you happen to be held up by a certain type of thief in India's capital.

According to a BBC report, a group of New Delhi muggers have taken up an ingenious new weapon -- snakes. Yes, snakes.

The scheme works like this: A criminal approaches an unsuspecting citizen and places a python around her neck. The python begins to squeeze, and voilą -- the victim gives up her money in return for breath and life.

In another popular ruse, a man is approached by a "snake charmer" who threatens him with a hissing asp: Give up the jewelry or risk a poisonous snake bite. Guess which wins.

Many of these robberies have occurred in the light of day, prompting Delhi police to warn the public to "stay clear of snake charmers and people carrying serpents."

Aye, aye.

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