Mysuru: Owners of earth movers and other heavy construction vehicles in Mysuru have raised concerns over an alleged rise in thefts targeting machinery parked at construction sites and along roads, with batteries, fuel and spare parts reportedly being stolen during the night.

The Earth Movers Association Mysore has claimed that around 20 to 25 such theft incidents are taking place every month across different police station limits in the city. Association members have urged the police to intervene, register complaints and take steps to prevent further losses to vehicle owners.

The concerns were raised at a press conference held at Patrakarthara Bhavan on October 8, following a recent incident in which miscreants allegedly stole batteries from a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus parked near Ambedkar Bhavan, close to Devaraja Traffic Police Station.

The association said the thefts were affecting owners of earth movers, bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, dozers and cranes used for construction and civic infrastructure projects.

Heavy machinery targeted during night hours

According to the association, thieves are taking advantage of the late-night hours to target heavy vehicles left unattended at work sites and on roads.

Association president Jagadeesh said the thefts were generally reported between 1.30 am and 3 am, when the machinery was parked after the day’s work.

The stolen items reportedly include batteries, fuel and small spare parts that can be removed from vehicles and sold. The association expressed concern that the stolen components were allegedly being disposed of without leaving a clear trail, making it difficult to trace them.

Heavy construction machinery is often required at different locations depending on the progress of roadworks, excavation, building projects and civic infrastructure activities. When work ends for the day, operators may leave the vehicles at the site until operations resume.

Jagadeesh said association members undertake work assigned by the Mysuru City Corporation and other civic agencies. Their machinery is often left at project locations after the day’s work is completed.

The association said this practice leaves equipment vulnerable when sites lack adequate security or surveillance, particularly during the early hours of the morning.

Association claims 20 to 25 thefts every month

The association estimated that between 20 and 25 theft incidents involving heavy vehicles occur every month across different police station jurisdictions in Mysuru.

Members said the incidents result in financial losses for machinery owners, who must arrange replacement batteries, fuel and spare parts before their vehicles can return to work.

Apart from the cost of replacing stolen items, such incidents can disrupt construction schedules and affect the use of equipment on projects. When a vehicle cannot operate because an essential component has been stolen, owners may also face delays in completing assigned work.

However, the actual scale of the problem remains difficult to establish without comprehensive complaint and police records. The association alleged that some police stations were reluctant to register complaints or issue even non-cognisable reports (NCRs).

According to its members, the absence of formal records makes it harder to determine the extent of the thefts and identify recurring patterns across locations.

The association has therefore called for greater attention from the police and a more consistent response to complaints from affected vehicle owners.

Concerns over CCTV cameras and investigations

The association also raised concerns about the functioning of CCTV cameras installed at different locations in the city.

Its members alleged that several cameras installed and operated by the police were not working. They further claimed that some police personnel lacked the technical expertise required to retrieve footage from the cameras.

Surveillance footage can be useful in identifying suspicious movements around parked machinery and establishing the sequence of events during a theft. However, its effectiveness depends on cameras being operational, footage being available and investigators being able to retrieve and examine the recordings.

The association’s allegations point to concerns about both the availability of surveillance footage and the ability to use it during investigations.

It has called for police intervention to address the reported thefts and improve the handling of complaints. The concerns also underline the importance of coordination between vehicle owners, construction contractors, site supervisors and law enforcement agencies when machinery is left unattended overnight.

The allegations regarding complaint registration and CCTV functioning were raised by the association; independent confirmation of these claims was not available in the report.

Heavy vehicle owners warn of possible protest

The association warned that the situation could worsen if immediate action was not taken to address the thefts.

Its members said thousands of heavy vehicle owners could be forced to park their machinery on main roads and launch a major protest if their concerns remained unresolved.

Such a move could disrupt traffic and affect the movement of vehicles across the city. The warning reflects the level of concern among association members over what they describe as repeated financial losses and inadequate action.

The association’s demand centres on preventing further thefts, ensuring that complaints are formally recorded and addressing the concerns surrounding surveillance systems.

A coordinated response could help authorities understand where the incidents are occurring, whether similar items are being targeted and what preventive measures may be required.

Need for stronger protection at construction sites

The reported incidents have highlighted the difficulties faced by owners who must leave expensive machinery at temporary work locations after operating hours.

Construction vehicles are essential for excavation, road development and other infrastructure work. Their theft or damage can affect project schedules and increase operating costs for owners and contractors.

Basic precautions such as secure parking, access control, lighting and functional surveillance may help reduce opportunities for theft. Owners and contractors can also maintain records of vehicle identification details and installed components to support investigations when incidents occur.

At the same time, the association has called on the police to take its complaints seriously and respond to the reported incidents.

The immediate concern for heavy vehicle owners in Mysuru is to protect their machinery and prevent repeated losses. Whether the reported pattern can be addressed effectively will depend on complaint registration, investigation, surveillance and cooperation between the police and those operating construction equipment.

The Earth Movers Association Mysore has urged authorities to intervene before the situation escalates into a wider dispute involving heavy vehicle owners.