Grand theft auto

Time of India

11-05-2025

stealing autos
autos
Auto unions have been circulating guidelines across auto stands to report suspicious activity or frequent night hires
People are using the stolen autos to commit theft. It's a clever tactic because an auto blends in easily in most neighbourhoods
—Police official
Bengaluru Police
The modus operandi of vehicle thieves in the city is getting more audacious it would seem. From targeting parked vehicles and hotwiring two-wheelers, some miscreants are now usingas getaway vehicles to commit thefts and even steal other vehicles.According to Manjunath, president of an auto union, 'Earlier, thieves would steal tyres or small parts from autos, but now, around 15 to 20go missing every month. There is a chance of recovery if they are still in the city but often they go missing completely — and when found, they are usually located outside the city.'A spokesperson from the auto union explained, 'Autos parked near the owner's residence are generally safe, but those left outside bars or by careless individuals often go missing. The issue is that many auto thefts are shared on Facebook or other social media platforms but are not reported to the police.In some cases, if autos go missing, then there are two or even three vehicles that have gone missing from the same area. We've observed that drivers who rent autos are less likely to be involved in thefts, as their focus is on earning a livelihood to support themselves and their families. Those who do steal autos often use them for committing other crimes and then abandon them. That's how many stolen autos have been recovered.'In a recent case, thieves arrived in an auto-rickshaw without a number plate, to flee with a scooter parked in front of a house in Nelamangala.The incident, captured on camera, is now circulating widely on social media, but no complaint has yet been registered.In another case, JP Nagar Police have arrested a man in connection with the theft of an autorickshaw parked outside a residence in Shakambari Nagar on April 11. The stolen auto rickshaw, valued at `1 lakh, was recovered. During interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime.According to police officials, this is not an isolated case. 'Now, people are using the stolen autos to commit theft. It's a clever tactic because an auto blends in easily in most neighbourhoods,' said a senior officer.Autos are also being used to commit house burglaries as became evident in recent cases Bommanahalli. Police cracked three cases involving two women who used an auto-rickshaw to target vacant homes. On March 18, a resident reported theft of gold and cash, leading to the arrest of Nilofer and Shabreen Taj near Adugodi on April 2. In a separate case, two men were arrested for stealing gold from a Kaveri Nagar home.According to police officials, the shift in pattern came to light when the arrest accused confessed to using shared autos to scout targets during the day and return at night to steal. Their justification? An auto, unlike a van or other vehicle, attracts little attention and doesn't require parking allowing for quick exits.'Many builders prioritise maximising land use for rental housing, often overlooking the need for proper parking spaces. Consequently, residents are forced to leave their vehicles on the streets, increasing the risk of theft. Most of these incidents occur in residential neighbourhoods, with nearly 90% of thefts happening when vehicles are parked outside homes or near paying guest accommodations.''We can't control any theft or any such crimes so we've been circulating guidelines across auto stands to report suspicious activity or frequent night hires. We have asked them to stay cautious, we keep posting advisory on social media platforms,' said Manjunath.Commissioner B Dayananda too has often stressed on the need for citizens to be vigilant. 'Vehicle theft is not just a financial loss but a serious safety issue, as stolen vehicles are often used in crimes, so citizens are urged to park in secure, well-lit areas, and use anti-theft devices like GPS trackers and steering locks,' he has said.