Mobile thieves on the prowl: Bengaluru loses one phone every two minutes

Shocking data reveals organised gangs targeting crowded public places, with 1.79 lakh mobile phones stolen in just eight months

Bengaluru has increasingly become a major target for mobile phone thieves, with organised gangs operating across the city and focusing on crowded public spaces. Shocking official data highlights the scale of the problem, raising serious concerns about public safety.

According to records, 1.79 lakh mobile phones were stolen in the last eight months alone. This translates to an average of 747 mobile thefts every day, nearly 31 thefts every hour, and one mobile phone stolen every two minutes in the city.

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Police sources say areas with heavy footfall have turned into high-risk zones. Bus stands, railway stations, temple premises, fairs and festivals are among the most targeted locations. Theft gangs are especially active in places where crowds make it easier to escape unnoticed.

The gangs primarily target pedestrians, women, senior citizens and individuals walking alone. A significant number of cases involve bike-borne thieves, who swiftly snatch phones and flee within seconds.

Investigators have revealed that stolen phones are often wrapped in aluminium foil immediately after theft. This technique blocks network signals, forcing phones to switch off and delaying tracking efforts, giving thieves more time to move the devices out of the city.

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Data from the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) up to August shows 1,79,285 mobile theft cases were officially recorded. Using advanced technology, police managed to trace 84,942 phones. Of these, 30,420 devices were seized, and 29,821 mobiles were successfully returned to their rightful owners.

Further investigations indicate that many stolen phones are transported and sold in other cities, making recovery more challenging.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain alert while moving through public spaces. People are advised to keep phones secure, avoid careless handling, and stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas, to reduce the risk of theft.