Bengaluru, a bustling metropolis known for its rapid growth and increasing number of two-wheelers, has become a hotspot for vehicle theft. The alarming statistic of over 13,000 two-wheelers stolen in just two and a half years indicates a pressing challenge for local law enforcement. With an estimated 8 million two-wheelers currently registered in the city, the rise in theft cases is keeping pace with the daily influx of new registrations, which averages between 1,500 and 2,000.
As the statistics reveal, the city has witnessed an average of 14 to 16 two-wheeler thefts every day. In the current year alone, from January to August, 3,263 vehicles have been reported stolen, of which only 779 have been recovered. This underscores the struggle faced by the Bengaluru police in effectively managing and mitigating such crimes. Of the total stolen vehicles in the past two and a half years, only 4,420 have been traced, resulting in a detection rate of approximately 32%.
Investigations into the rising thefts have shown that thieves employ a variety of sophisticated methods. Many stolen vehicles are stripped for parts, with their engine and chassis numbers altered before being sold online. Alarmingly, these stolen two-wheelers are also reportedly used in more serious criminal activities, such as chain snatching, house break-ins, and even violent crimes.
Thieves typically target vehicles parked in less secure areas such as roadside spots, shopping malls, parks, and in front of homes and offices. They often break handle locks or respond to advertisements on platforms like OLX, posing as potential buyers to steal vehicles under the guise of taking them for a test drive. Some criminals have been known to exploit adverse weather conditions, such as rain, when public movement is reduced, to carry out their thefts more discreetly.
The police investigations have uncovered that individuals involved in these thefts often come from backgrounds of addiction or have recently been released from jail. Many have been found to engage in thefts as a means to repay debts or to support a lavish lifestyle.
The ingenuity of the criminals is particularly concerning. In a recent case, police apprehended a gang that specialised in stealing vehicles during rainy weather. Additionally, two engineering students were caught for targeting high-end bikes at night, leveraging their technical skills to facilitate their crimes.
Further complicating matters, some thieves have gone to the extent of creating counterfeit documents, including fake registration certificates and insurance papers. Using advanced printing technology, they produce documents that appear authentic, allowing them to dismantle stolen vehicles and attach parts to others. They even go so far as to modify the engine and chassis numbers, subsequently listing the stolen two-wheelers for sale on online platforms like OLX, where they meet prospective buyers in person, presenting the forged documents as legitimate.
In response to the growing issue of two-wheeler thefts, City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda has highlighted the need for preventive measures. The police have reached out to manufacturers and dealers, urging them to incorporate safety features into their vehicles. Recommendations include the installation of GPS tracking systems, robust wheel locking mechanisms, and enhanced handle locks at the design and sale stages of two-wheelers.
These measures aim to bolster the security of two-wheelers and provide better safety for riders in the city. It is a significant step towards not only reducing theft incidents but also protecting the investment of vehicle owners.
The increasing theft rate of two-wheelers in Bengaluru serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by urban areas grappling with crime amid rapid growth. As police continue to investigate and implement preventive strategies, the cooperation of manufacturers, dealers, and the community will be crucial in curbing this troubling trend.