Mangaluru: The city police have arrested a suspect in connection with a bike theft case reported under the jurisdiction of the Kankanadi City Police Station, marking a swift breakthrough in the investigation. The accused has been identified as Ibrahim, alias Monu, a resident of Idya, Katipalla, in Suratkal. Police have recovered the stolen motorcycle along with a mobile phone allegedly used during the commission of the crime.
According to police sources, the theft was reported on December 8, 2025, when a Yamaha FZ motorcycle was stolen from the Pumpwell area in Mangaluru. The vehicle had been parked near V Care Garage along the Ekkuru National Highway. Preliminary investigations revealed that the bike was stolen through direct tampering, indicating a deliberate and premeditated act.
Details of the theft
The complainant had parked the Yamaha FZ near the garage, assuming it would be safe in the busy area. However, the motorcycle went missing, prompting the owner to lodge a complaint with the Kankanadi City Police Station. Following the complaint, police registered a case and launched an investigation to trace the accused and recover the stolen property.
Police officials said that CCTV footage from nearby establishments and inputs gathered during field inquiries helped narrow down the suspect. The method of theft, involving direct tampering of the vehicle, suggested that the accused was familiar with basic techniques used in two-wheeler thefts.
Arrest and recovery
Based on the investigation, a case was registered at Kankanadi City Police Station under Crime No. 178/2025, invoking Section 303(2) of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with punishable offences related to theft.
The accused, Ibrahim alias Monu, was arrested on December 12, 2025. During interrogation, police recovered the stolen Yamaha FZ motorcycle. In addition, a mobile phone allegedly used by the accused during the commission of the crime was also seized.
The total value of the recovered property, including the motorcycle and the mobile phone, has been estimated at approximately ₹26,000, police said.
Accused remanded to judicial custody
After completing the necessary formalities, the accused was produced before a competent court. The court remanded him to judicial custody pending further investigation. Police are now verifying whether the accused was involved in other similar theft cases reported in different parts of the city.
Officials said efforts are also underway to check the accused’s criminal background and to ascertain whether he is part of a larger network involved in vehicle thefts across Mangaluru and neighbouring areas.
Rising concern over two-wheeler thefts
Incidents of two-wheeler theft have been a cause of concern for city residents, particularly in busy commercial zones and areas close to highways. Police have repeatedly advised vehicle owners to take basic precautions such as using additional locks, parking in well-lit areas and, wherever possible, opting for CCTV-monitored parking spaces.
A senior police officer said that while most cases are solved through surveillance footage and public cooperation, prevention remains the key. “People should avoid leaving vehicles unattended for long durations without proper locking mechanisms. Awareness and caution can significantly reduce such crimes,” the officer added.
Police appeal to the public
The Mangaluru police have urged citizens to promptly report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods and to immediately inform the police in case of vehicle theft. Timely complaints, officials said, play a crucial role in quick recovery and arrest of offenders.
With the arrest of Ibrahim alias Monu and the recovery of the stolen bike, police believe the case has been substantially solved. Further investigation is ongoing to determine if additional charges are required or if more recoveries can be made.
The incident once again highlights the importance of vigilance and the role of coordinated police action in curbing property-related crimes in the city.