Tyre theft tactics have evolved — no longer balancing cars on bricks, criminals are now focusing on high-value spare tyres, especially those mounted on the rear of Mahindra Thar SUVs.
In the early hours of June 18, a coordinated theft shook Vijayanagar Second and Third Stage, where 14 Thar vehicles were stripped of their spare wheels in just two hours (1:30 am to 3:30 am). The estimated loss? A whopping ₹5.6 lakh.
CCTV footage revealed a man in a silver XUV500 (older model) methodically stealing the alloy spare wheels, rolling them to his getaway vehicle. He appeared calm, undeterred by passing traffic.
Inspector S.D. Suresh Kumar confirmed that the same vehicle had been surveying residential areas for weeks, looking for Thars parked near compound walls — easier to access, quicker to loot.
Why Thar spare tyres? Alloy wheels are prized for their:
- Lightweight, which boosts fuel economy
- Better heat dissipation, improving braking
- Sleek appearance and high resale value
Made from a mix of aluminium, magnesium, and other metals, each alloy wheel and disc can cost up to ₹40,000, making them lucrative targets.
The stolen wheels are often resold through online platforms, with little trace of origin. Authorities are pursuing leads to track the culprits and break the racket.