11 April,2011 07:12 AM IST | | A Correspondent
Four-wheeler grey markets are booming, thanks to incidents of rampant car theft in the city. Here are a few precautionary measures that can help you keep the thieves at bay
As the car thieves, who operate across the city, clearly demarcating their jurisdictions, are on the prowl, you should be extra careful about the safety of your mean machine.
According to statistics available with the Mumbai police, in 2010 around 4,167 cases of motor vehicle theft were registered across the city, while 4,183 cases were registered in 2009.
Senior police officials say that by increasing awareness among people regarding safety of their cars, the numbers could well be brought down considerably.
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"It only requires a few basic precautionary measures," said Nandkumar Chougale, deputy commissioner of police, (traffic). "We hold regular workshops to educate people about ways to prevent vehicle theft," he added.
And it is not just the vehicle that you need to be careful about. In the last three years, the police have observed an emerging trend, that of vanishing car logos, especially in western suburbs and quieter neighbourhoods.
"Most of these stolen logos are sold in car workshops and grey market hubs around Kurla and central suburbs for Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000," said a senior police official.
"Thieves often do this to earn a quick buck," he added.
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According to the National Crime Bureau Records, as many as 36,000 vehicles, which amount to Rs 115 crore, are stolen in India annually.
The police manage to detect only 40 per cent of these and the traced vehicles are often found in un-roadworthy conditions, with many components missing.
In case your car is stolen
1. Report the theft to the nearest police station immediately
2. Inform your insurance company
Safety devices
There are several safety devices available in the market, including steering lock, tyre lock, car alarms, gearshift locks and electronic key. Though these anti-theft devices are not foolproof, they definitely help deter car thieves and slow down their stealing process. Many anti-theft devices also help in protecting car burglaries
Here are a few preventive and safety measures you should take
1: Use securing devices such as steering lock, clutch lock and brake lock
2: Double-check all doors, including the boot
3: If possible, install a loud alarm system in your car, so that thieves can be discouraged even if they manage to break into your car
4: Try and use detachable music systems and take them with you whenever you park the car for a long time, so that there is no temptation for thieves to break in when they see expensive items in parked cars
5: Paint your car number on the front and rear end of the body, apart from the number plates. This prevents them from being misused by criminals using fake number plates
Here's what you should not do
1: Never leave the vehicle door unlocked, nor the windows partially open.
2: Make sure that the quarter glasses are properly secured
3: Do not leave valuables inside the car, even if it is locked, as this will attract thieves
4: Do not overdo extra fittings, as these tempt prospective thieves
5: Never leave the key dangling in the ignition
2,639 Total vehicles stolen in 2009
2,506 Total vehicles stolen in 2010
