Cell by next month to trace stolen vehicles

Mateen Hafeez | TNN

Mumbai: The city police plan to form a dedicated cell to trace stolen vehicles. Motor vehicle thefts have increased by 13% in 2011, compared to 2010 and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are favorites for thieves, as is the colour white. Police said many of these vehicles are sold off in Nepal.

“Our emphasis will be on solving motor vehicle thefts. We will form a dedicated cell to trace stolen vehicles by next month,” said Himanshu Roy, crime branch head. He added that an analysis of stolen vehicles has shown that in 90% cases the vehicles are white.

Police commissioner Arup Patnaik has instructed personnel to register car missing cases as thefts. The police said most cars stolen in Mumbai are sold off in rural areas in other states. Taveras, Qualis and Boleros and Scorpios top the list of stolen vehicles. Four cars stolen in Navi Mumbai were used in the Gujarat bomb blasts in 2008, he said.

Motorcycle thefts have also increased drastically and the thieves targeted mainly the Pulsar, Splendour and Passion models.

“We are also talking to vehicle manufacturers as to why these car and bike models are easier to steal,” an officer said.

In the July 2011 triple bomb blasts, a scooter parked near Zaveri Bazar on which a bomb was reportedly fitted, was stolen. “All police stations have been alerted about such thefts, and we are conducting meetings with the motor vehicle theft unit. Motor vehicle thefts will soon be curbed,” the officer said.

The Times of India, January 11, 2012