Pune: The city has witnessed a surge in vehicle thefts, with an alarming increase in the number of stolen two-wheelers and luxury cars.
Vehicle owners are now increasingly concerned about the security of their vehicles, with cases being reported from multiple police stations across the city. The growing trend of theft, which includes both daytime and nighttime incidents, is posing serious concerns for the authorities and citizens alike.
Vehicle Theft in Pimpri-Chinchwad Commissionerate:
January: 87 two-wheelers, 7 three-wheelers, 5 four-wheelers
February: 86 two-wheelers, 18 three-wheelers, 8 four-wheelers
March: 98 two-wheelers, 4 three-wheelers, 3 four-wheelers
April: 90 two-wheelers, 5 three-wheelers, 2 four-wheelers
May: 94 two-wheelers, 6 three-wheelers, 6 four-wheelers
June: 90 two-wheelers, 3 three-wheelers, 3 four-wheelers
July: 117 two-wheelers, 5 three-wheelers, 4 four-wheelers
Between January and July of this year, a staggering 662 two-wheelers and 31 cars have been reported stolen. Thieves have been using technical methods to bypass security measures and easily steal vehicles. As a result, citizens now hesitate when parking their vehicles, whether in parking lots or along the road.
Many citizens purchase vehicles through installment plans and rely on them for daily commuting and work purposes. When a vehicle is stolen, it disrupts their routine and financial planning, leading to frustration as they often need to make repeated visits to the police station in hopes of recovering their vehicle.
Thieves are known to break the handle locks of two-wheelers in a matter of seconds, either by using fake keys or by forcefully breaking the lock. Once the lock is broken, the vehicle is easily stolen.
After the theft, the stolen vehicles are often dismantled and sold for parts, or they are transported to other districts or even states, where they are sold.
Despite these challenges, the police have intensified patrolling efforts across the city. In recent days, several vehicle thieves have been apprehended, and the stolen vehicles have been recovered. These arrests have brought to light numerous vehicle theft cases that had been under investigation.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Sandeep Doiphode emphasized that citizens should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. He also stressed the importance of vehicle owners taking measures to protect their vehicles from theft.