Spike in two-wheeler thefts with 44% in B'luru raises alarm amid soaring vehicle registrations

Bengaluru is witnessing a concerning rise in vehicle thefts, with recent data revealing that nearly 44% of all such incidents in Karnataka over the past three months occurred in the city. The surge in thefts comes as vehicle registrations continue to climb, particularly two-wheelers, which remain the most frequent targets.

According to the State Crime Records Bureau, 2,473 vehicle thefts were reported across Karnataka between January and March 2025. Of these, Bengaluru accounted for 1,106 cases. The city has already registered 1,368 thefts by April 25 this year, including 1,327 two-wheelers, 24 cars, 13 bicycles, and four trucks. This follows a steady upward trend, with 5,828 thefts in 2023 and 5,241 in 2024.

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Despite an extensive CCTV network, recovery rates remain low. Police attribute the rise in thefts to "black spots" — areas near malls, Metro stations, and public spaces where unattended vehicles are easy targets. Residential zones without dedicated parking and poor surveillance also contribute to the problem.

Stolen vehicles are often repurposed for criminal activities such as robberies and smuggling. Many are dismantled, sold for parts, or trafficked across state lines.

Authorities urge vehicle owners to use designated parking areas and install anti-theft devices to deter offenders, as two-wheelers remain the most vulnerable due to their easily breached locks and compact size.