Carnama cripples Delhi cops

Had your vehicle stolen from the city of late? It's highly likely you'll not get it back. The number of vehicle theft cases has been increasing in the National Capital, and the recovery rate has remained hopelessly low, latest police data shows. Delhi has seen 1,32,030 cases since 2014 up to November 2017. Only 12,665 recoveries (9.59 per cent) could be made. As many as 1,19,375 vehicles are yet to be found.

Between 2014 and 2015, there was a 40.09 per cent jump — from 23,411 to 32,797 — in cases of two-wheelers, cars, buses, trucks and other vehicles being stolen in Delhi. During 2015-16, there was a further increase of 17.83 per cent — from 32,797 to 38,644 — in such cases. Vehicle thefts have again seen an increase of 5.92 per cent between 2016 (till November 30) and 2017 (till November 30). But the years 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 (till November 30) saw a recovery rate of mere 10.35 per cent, 5.47 per cent, 11.57 per cent and 10.65 per cent, respectively.

In fact, Delhi reported the maximum number of auto thefts last year with more than four vehicles stolen on an average everyday here, according to data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) last month. Last year, out of 4,94,404 theft cases reported across the country, 2,13,765 cases were of auto thefts. Delhi topped the list of auto thefts with 38,644 cases followed by Uttar Pradesh at 34,480 cases and Maharashtra at 22,435 cases.

The Delhi police claims the rise in cases is also because of better reporting. A number of initiatives have been taken by the police to encourage registration, it says. Facilities like online registration of FIRs through mobile phone apps have made the task hassle-free and less time-consuming. "One can simply go to the Delhi police's website and lodge a complaint. That complaint is then turned into an e-FIR and a receipt is generated for the user, for future reference. Moreover, one can even check the status of his/her complaint on the website," said a senior official.

As for the poor recovery rate, the police has its defence. "At times, people register cases from outside Delhi… we have little control over such cases. There are times when a person parks his/her car, forgets the location and files a complaint," the official said.

Car vs motorcycle

The recovery rate of four-wheelers is 5-7 per cent. For two-wheelers, it's 11-12 per cent. This is because parts of cars, buses and trucks can be disposed of easily, compared to those of two-wheelers. Once a car is stolen, the gang disables location devices, changes the registration plate and removes accessories. "At times, even the vehicle identification number (VIN), a unique code, including a serial number, is changed or removed. Most new luxury vehicles have features, which are electronically controlled, making it easier for auto lifters," said an official.

Selling or disposing parts of a two-wheeler is tough as there aren't many takers. Buyers often fear the vehicle may have been used in a crime before. Street crimes, including snatching of mobile phones or chains, are mostly done on two-wheelers. Gangs often send two-wheelers to locations in the hills. They are then revamped and given a new look.

Advanced tech

The Delhi police busts gangs of auto lifters almost every day. However, two of them, caught in South Delhi last week, stand out. They used advanced technology — they made sure when they are caught while stealing a car, all mobile networks in the vicinity got jammed. Romil Baaniya, DCP South Delhi, told DNA "They purchased a small mobile phone jammer from a website. The work of the jammer was to block all incoming and outgoing signals of all mobile operators within a radius of 10-15 metres."

This was done to make sure that, during the time of committing the crime if anyone sees them or catches them, it is not possible to contact the police or seek help. "Gangs also understand that police can also come in the guise of customers. So they use jammers to ensure their escape," said Baaniya. The police is tracking websites which sell such jammers and other advanced devices used by auto thieves.

Another gang busted this year had a different modus operandi. It entered cars by hacking into online dashboard systems. It makes it easier to disable the central locking security system of a car. Once that occurs, crooks just have to put on the ignition and escape with the car. That's why sedans and SUVs are easy to take away.

Time & place

Most vehicles which are stolen are picked up outside the owners' homes. This happens mostly post midnight until wee hours. In 2017, 53 per cent auto thefts occurred outside homes, followed by parking areas, religious places, malls, markets, hospitals, ATMs/banks, besides schools and colleges. With Delhi connected to Haryana (Faridabad and Gurugram) and Uttar Pradesh (Noida and Ghaziabad), it is easier to take stolen cars across the borders and then move them to places to dispose them of.

Unlucky & lucky victims

Ram Vilas, 23, lost his job after his motorcycle was picked up from south Delhi's Chhattarpur area. Vilas had gone to meet his uncle at his shop when his one-year-old Splendour was stolen. "I reached there around 6 pm on December 9. After some 15-17 minutes, I went out again and my bike was not there. I worked as a delivery boy for an online portal but because I do not have a motorcycle anymore, I have lost my only source of livelihood," he said.

Meanwhile, Ramesh of Rajasthan, who works as a computer operator with a government department, has not stopped thanking the Delhi police for recovering his car. "I belong to a middle class family and had purchased the car from my hard-earned money. It was a 2011 model Thar. My brother's son had become sad. I had his name written on the back windshield," said Ramesh. The car was stolen from Rajasthan, recovered by the Delhi police and then sent back to Rajasthan.

Auto dumps

Cars recovered by the police but not claimed by owners continue to rust at police stations. This is also because of pending legal formalities. An "untraced" certificate is given within a month, making it easier for people to take insurance claims. That's why some people are not interested in taking their vehicles back. Also, in cases of second-hand or third-hand cars, documents are not in order and they keep gathering dust at police stations. If any vehicle was involved in a crime or an accident, it becomes a case property and has to be at the police station till the case is over. Badly damaged vehicles are seldom claimed. The police disposes of vehicles from time to time. As per an order of Delhi high court, the police can dispose of vehicles when an investigation into a case is completed. The police does not have to wait for the final judgment.