Bengaluru: The Indian tech city, renowned for its rapid development and an increasing population of two-wheeler users, is grappling with a troubling rise in vehicle thefts. Over the last two and a half years, more than 13,000 two-wheelers have been reported stolen, presenting a significant challenge for local law enforcement amid a booming registration rate.
Approximately 8 million two-wheelers are registered in Bengaluru, with an influx of 1,500 to 2,000 new registrations daily. This escalation in thefts is alarming, with statistics revealing that the city experiences 14 to 16 two-wheeler thefts every day. In the first eight months of this year alone, 3,263 vehicles were stolen, yet only 779 have been recovered, underscoring the difficulties faced by the Bengaluru police. Over the past two and a half years, they have managed to trace just 4,420 stolen vehicles, leading to a detection rate of roughly 32 per cent.
Advancement in tactics leads to increase in thefts
Investigations indicate that thieves are now using increasingly sophisticated tactics. Many stolen bikes are stripped for parts, with their engine and chassis numbers altered before being sold online. Alarmingly, these stolen vehicles are often linked to more serious crimes, such as chain snatching, home burglaries, and violent offenses.
Criminals frequently target vehicles parked in less secure areas, including roadside spots, shopping malls, parks, and in front of homes and offices. Some even masquerade as potential buyers on platforms like OLX, using test drives as a pretext to steal vehicles. Thieves also take advantage of weather, such as rainy days, when public activity is reduced, allowing them to carry out thefts more easily.
Fake documents for the reselling of stolen vehicles
The situation has escalated to the point where some thieves are producing fake documents, including fake registration certificates and insurance papers. Using advanced printing technology, they create convincing documentation that enables them to dismantle stolen vehicles and sell their parts. These criminals also modify engine and chassis numbers, listing stolen two-wheelers for sale on platforms like OLX, often presenting forged documents to prospective buyers.
Preventive measures suggested by Bengaluru’s top cop
In response to this growing issue, City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda has stressed the importance of preventive measures. The police have reached out to manufacturers and dealers, urging them to integrate enhanced safety features into their vehicles. Recommendations include the installation of GPS tracking systems, sturdy wheel locking mechanisms, and improved handle locks during the design and sale of two-wheelers.
