Pune Police Launches Vigorous Campaign To Combat Rising Vehicle Theft Cases

Mubarak Ansari

Pune, 3rd April 2024: In response to a surge in vehicle thefts plaguing the city, Pune Police officials have announced stringent measures to curb the menace. Additional Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Shailesh Balkawade, has directed all units to swiftly register cases and launch investigations into incidents of vehicle theft.

Vehicle thefts, particularly of two-wheelers, have been on the rise in the city, prompting the Crime Branch to take proactive steps to address the issue. Special attention is being paid to individuals with a history of vehicle theft offences. Surveillance will be heightened, focusing on suspects with multiple prior theft convictions.

Efforts to combat vehicle theft include the updating of e-challan data to enhance monitoring and enforcement. Police checkpoints will prioritize vehicle inspections, while CCTV surveillance will play a crucial role in identifying and apprehending perpetrators.

Investigations have revealed that stolen vehicles often find their way to rural areas, where they are sold at discounted rates. To disrupt this illicit trade, authorities will monitor weekly markets for any suspicious activity related to the sale of two-wheelers.

Recognizing the importance of timely intervention, Add CP Balkawade emphasized the necessity of promptly filing theft cases to facilitate investigations. Delays in registering cases could hamper efforts to collect crucial CCTV footage from crime scenes.

Moreover, authorities have announced plans to auction abandoned vehicles that have accumulated in traffic branches and police stations. Many of these vehicles, left behind after accidents or other incidents, remain unclaimed by their owners or insurance companies. With court approval, these abandoned vehicles will be auctioned off to clear the premises and mitigate the growing issue of vehicular abandonment.