Nagpur: The city police recorded 752 vehicle thefts, mostly two-wheelers, this year till May 31 — an average of nearly five thefts daily. As per police, many cases have an interstate dimension, with gangs from neighbouring Madhya Pradesh active in the city. The highest number of cases, 158, were reported at police stations under Zone 4 (east Nagpur). Police stations in Zone 6 covering North Nagpur recorded around 80 thefts. But Kapil Nagar police station in the same zone reported zero thefts during the same period.
How Thieves Operate
Police said vehicle thieves often escape through lesser-known internal village roads to avoid CCTV surveillance and toll nakas. Many of the stolen vehicles, especially two-wheelers, are then taken across the border into adjoining Madhya Pradesh. "Minors are increasingly being involved in thefts. They steal mopeds by breaking handles and resell them cheaply in rural areas," said an official. The Crime Branch recently busted a gang of 14 such thieves.
Kapil Nagar's Success Story
Explaining how Kapil Nagar police station bucked the trend, senior inspector Satish Ade said spots prone to thefts were identified and police teams on bikes intensified patrolling. "Day and night visits to these hotspots acted as a deterrent," said Ade adding that CCTV cameras were redirected to cover vulnerable areas. Awareness campaigns were held to educate citizens on securing their vehicles with quality locks. "Park at the proper place and lock it properly. Many people leave the keys in the vehicles itself," Ade said.
Community Involvement
Shopkeepers, roadside vendors, and kiosk-owners near black spots were engaged to act as eyes on the ground. Police teams visited homes of known offenders and issued stern warnings. "We enforced a set of different measures so as to collectively create a strong security net in the area," Ade said.
Key Takeaway
Kapil Nagar's zero-theft record underlines that focused policing combined with community involvement can effectively curb the trend, even as vehicle thefts continue to challenge the rest of Nagpur. Officials hope other stations will draw inspiration from these strategies to strengthen city-wide security.
