In the bustling metropolis of Delhi, a new wave of brazen car thefts is causing concern among vehicle owners and law enforcement alike. Recent reports detail incidents where thieves are employing increasingly sophisticated techniques to steal cars, sometimes in a matter of seconds. One such incident, captured on CCTV, highlights the vulnerability of even seemingly secure vehicles.
The incident involved a Hyundai Creta, a popular SUV often targeted by thieves. The CCTV footage shows how the perpetrators swiftly broke the car's window and then proceeded to disable its security system using advanced tools. This allowed them to start the engine and drive away in under a minute. Such incidents underscore the evolving tactics of car theft gangs, who are now using technology to bypass conventional security measures.
Delhi has unfortunately earned the title of "motor vehicle theft capital of India". Reports indicate that in 2023, the city averaged a staggering 105 car thefts per day – approximately one every 14 minutes. While Delhi's share of the country's total vehicle thefts has decreased from 56% in 2022 to 37% in 2023, the sheer volume of incidents remains alarming. Certain areas like Uttam Nagar, Bhajanpura, Shahdara, Patparganj and Badarpur have been identified as car theft hotspots.
The Hyundai Creta, along with other models like the Maruti Wagon R, Maruti Swift, and Toyota Fortuner, are among the most frequently stolen vehicles in Delhi-NCR. These cars are often targeted for their parts or resale value in the second-hand market.
Law enforcement agencies are struggling to keep pace with the rise in car thefts, despite increased surveillance and technological upgrades. Delhi has a high density of CCTV cameras, but experts note that these cameras often fail to capture crucial details like license plates or subtle indicators of theft. The Delhi Police have started deploying upgraded systems, including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and smart monitoring software, to enhance tracking and improve detection rates.
In response to the escalating crisis, authorities have been cracking down on car theft gangs, leading to several arrests and the recovery of stolen vehicles. In one instance, the Delhi Police busted an international vehicle theft syndicate allegedly controlled by a Dubai-based mastermind. The gang was involved in stealing and reselling luxury vehicles across Delhi-NCR and other states, exploiting locations with poor surveillance and using technology to bypass security systems.
Another case involved a family-operated car theft gang that allegedly stole over 25 vehicles in a few months. The gang, consisting of a father, son, and son-in-law, used sophisticated tools to disable car security systems and sold the stolen vehicles in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. They primarily targeted Hyundai Creta, Toyota Fortuner, and Maruti Brezza models parked near parks and gyms during the early morning hours.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced vehicle security measures and increased vigilance among car owners. While modern cars come equipped with alarms and immobilizers, tech-savvy thieves are finding ways to circumvent these systems. Car owners are advised to park in well-lit and secure locations, use additional anti-theft devices, and remain vigilant about their surroundings.
It is also worth noting that some Hyundai and Kia models manufactured between 2015 and 2019 have been found to lack electronic immobilizers, making them more vulnerable to theft. While Kia has addressed these security vulnerabilities, the issue raises concerns about digital security and the need for automakers to prioritize vehicle protection.
