Special cell to curb auto thefts

PUNE: Sushma Gaikwad’s moped was stolen from the parking lot of Madhumilan complex in Kondhwa, where she stays, around four months ago. At least six bikes were stolen from the parking lot of the same housing society within a week’s time, Lawyer Suraj Khade lost his brand new motorcycle from the premises of the Shivajinagar court around two months back.
At least eight to ten Puneiites suffer the same fate everyday. On an average, eight to ten automobiles are reported stolen in the jurisdiction of the Pune police every day. In 2002, 1197 vehicles were reported stolen, of which 274 were recovered from criminals while 235 were found in an abandoned condition.
Till the end of March this year, 240 vehicles have been reported stolen of which 32 were recovered from criminals and 14 were found abandoned. To help curb this menace, the Pune police have formed a special cell in the crime branch to deal with vehicle thefts.
Speaking to TNN, commissioner of police A.N. Roy said, “It is one of the biggest nuisances faced by any common citizen. For a Puneite, the theft of a vehicle means considerable loss not only in monetary terms but also in terms of the inconvenience he or she has to face because of the loss of a dependable mode of transport�.
“This was the reason why we decided to put vehicle theft on our list of priorities,� he added. Besides this, many stolen vehicles are subsequently used in other crimes like chain snatching, robberies. Hence, preventing vehicle thefts would also help the police keep other crimes under control, Roy said. Two officers and 10 constables have been deputed to the anti-vehicle theft cell. This cell will identify the areas from where vehicles are stolen, the particular time of the day that the thefts take place and the gangs involved in stealing the vehicles. Vigil in affected areas will be increased on the basis of the information gathered and tabs will be kept on the whereabouts of the criminals involved in vehicle theft crimes, Roy added.
Answering a question, Roy said, “We have information that the vehicles stolen in Pune are transported to states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and are sold there but we have no specific leads so far�.
Speaking to TNN, incharge of the cell Sarjerao Thombre said, “We have already identified 40 spots in the city and have started maintaining a vigil there. has paid results and we recovered two vehicles each stolen from the Deccan and Pimpri area.�