A fresh wave of two-wheeler thefts has left Mangaluru residents anxious, as several cases have been reported across the city and surrounding areas in recent weeks. Police under the Mangaluru City Commissionerate have registered at least 11 theft cases between September 30 and October 30, spanning Pandeshwar, Bunder, Urwa, Kadri, Ullal, Konaje, and Kankanady City police station limits

Officials said most thefts occurred during late-night hours, with several victims discovering their missing vehicles the following morning. In some cases, the thefts were executed in under 20 minutes, raising concerns about organised operations.

Thefts in minutes, owners shocked
In one notable incident at Thokkottu, a scooter was stolen just 15 minutes after being parked. The owner, who had stopped briefly for a tender coconut drink around 10 pm, returned at 10:15 pm to find the vehicle missing. Similarly, in another case at Pumpwell, a scooter disappeared within 16 minutes of being parked.

Expensive two-wheelers, including Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles, scooters, and standard commuter bikes, have been targeted, suggesting that the thieves are not selective about the models.

Key hotspots identified
The incidents have largely occurred near public spaces such as hospitals, malls, and cinema halls—areas that typically attract heavy footfall. The Pandeshwar police recorded two thefts on September 30, one near a hospital in Kankanady and another behind a shopping mall in Pandeshwar.

In the Bunder area, a bike was stolen from a cinema parking lot on KS Rao Road on October 25, and another from Bibi Alabi Road on October 13. Similarly, thefts were reported in Urwa, Kadri, Ullal, Konaje, and Kankanady City limits throughout October.

At Bijai Kapikad under the Urwa police station, a motorcycle was stolen from outside a shop on October 28. In the Kadri jurisdiction, a bike parked outside a hospital on Falnir Road was taken overnight on October 17. Ullal police recorded thefts near Deralakatte and Thokkottu, while Konaje saw incidents in Pavoor and Natekal villages. In Kankanady City, a scooter parked near a car showroom in Ujjodi went missing on October 10.

Police step up investigation
City police have intensified patrolling and begun a coordinated investigation to trace the culprits. Authorities are examining whether an inter-district or inter-state gang may be behind the thefts, or if they are isolated cases carried out by local offenders.

A senior police official said, “Teams have been deployed to track the movement of suspects, and CCTV footage from various locations is being analysed. We expect to make arrests soon.”

Public urged to stay alert
Police have also appealed to residents to remain cautious and take preventive measures, such as using double locks, parking in secure or well-lit areas, and avoiding leaving keys unattended.

The recent spate of thefts has sparked public concern, prompting calls for enhanced surveillance and stricter night patrols in vulnerable zones.