Vehicle thefts in India have witnessed a significant surge, doubling within a year, according to the ‘Theft & the City’ report released by Acko General Insurance. The report highlights notable insights into the prevalence of vehicle thefts across various cities in the country.

Delhi Maintains Lead, Yet Share Declines

Delhi continues to lead in vehicle thefts, with a staggering 80% of car thefts occurring in the capital city. However, its overall share in vehicle thefts has decreased from 56% in 2022 to 37% in 2023, indicating a shifting trend. On the contrary, cities like Chennai and Bengaluru have experienced a notable surge in vehicle thefts, showcasing an increase in their share compared to the previous year.

Factors Contributing to Vehicle Thefts

The scarcity of parking space in buildings and colonies emerges as a significant factor contributing to vehicle thefts in Delhi NCR. Data from Delhi Police reveals a rise in violent disputes over parking on neighbourhood roads, underscoring the challenges associated with parking management.

Maruti Suzuki Dominates Stolen Cars

Maruti Suzuki cars constitute a significant portion of stolen vehicles, accounting for 47% of all stolen cars. The popularity and high demand for Maruti Suzuki models make them lucrative targets for thieves. Among the frequently stolen cars in Delhi NCR are Maruti Wagon R, Maruti Swift, Hyundai Creta, Hyundai Grand i10, and Maruti Swift Dzire.

Exploitation of Modern Technology

Thieves leverage evolving technology to steal vehicles, exploiting advanced safety features like keyless entry systems. Modern cars equipped with keyless entry mechanisms operating on barcodes embedded in windshields are particularly vulnerable to thefts. Thieves scan the barcodes to gain unauthorized access and control over vehicles remotely.

Surge in Bike Thefts

Interestingly, bike thefts witnessed a significant surge in 2023, surpassing car thefts by 9.25 times. Hero Splendor emerged as the most stolen bike, followed by Honda Activa and Royal Enfield Classic 350. The adoption of new security measures becomes imperative in mitigating bike theft incidents.

Response to Vehicle Theft Incidents

In the event of a vehicle theft, prompt reporting to both the police and the insurance company is crucial. Submission of essential documents, including the FIR copy, vehicle registration certification, and driver’s license, facilitates the claim settlement process. In cases where the vehicle remains untraceable, insurers settle claims based on policy terms and conditions, following police verification procedures.