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Rampant Car Parts Theft In Lahore

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Rampant Car Parts Theft In Lahore

News
14. May 2023
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Rampant Car Parts Theft In Lahore

Lahore is witnessing a surge in the theft of side-view mirrors, batteries, tires, and other vehicle accessories, particularly luxury cars. These seemingly “petty crimes” have become rampant, with new criminal groups emerging in the city. Unfortunately, most of these incidents go unreported, allowing car parts theft to go unchecked and encouraging more criminals to join the illegal trade of stolen car parts on the black market.

One concerning aspect is the lack of reliable data on stolen accessories, as car owners hesitate to report the crimes due to various reasons, primarily the unsatisfactory attitude of the police. This category of crime continues to grow in every nook and corner of the city, unnoticed and unaddressed.

Speaking anonymously, station house officers (SHOs) and officials from the investigation wing of the police acknowledge the increasing trend but attribute it to the underreporting by car owners. They explain that many criminals have escaped punishment because the cases were never registered. Moreover, some victims avoid reporting these crimes due to the traditional behavior of the police, while others perceive the theft as minor damage to their vehicles, leading the police to categorize it as a petty crime.

The rising prices of vehicles, especially cars, have further fueled these thefts, as the prices of accessories have also skyrocketed. Disturbingly, most incidents go unreported, and this petty crime has spread from the streets and markets to the supposedly secure private housing schemes. Even prominent figures like former MNA Shunila Ruth fell victim to thieves who stole all four tires of her car, highlighting the police’s negligence in handling such cases.

The crime wave extends beyond specific areas like Johar Town, Model Town, Defence Housing Authority, Gulberg, Iqbal Town, Nawab Town, Kahna, and Shahdara. According to unofficial figures, at least 70 cars were targeted in these areas in the past two months, with the actual number potentially exceeding 150. The citizens are understandably frustrated with the daily increase in such crimes.

Videos and images of these thefts often go viral on social media, exposing the inefficiency of the police in controlling the criminals. The culprits employ various methods, such as using screwdrivers or forcefully unplugging side-view mirrors, often causing additional damage to the vehicles.

An anonymous spare parts dealer near the Ali Hajveri Shrine sheds light on the situation, revealing that many suspicious individuals frequently visit the market to sell dozens of stolen side-view mirrors and other car accessories. The thieves primarily target Japanese and other imported cars due to the high value of their parts.

This problem is not new, as these thefts started back in November 2022. The issue sprouted in DHA Lahore initially but later spread to other areas of the city. As cars become more expensive, these cases of car parts theft also surge, making car safety difficult for the citizens.

In the face of this escalating problem, it is essential for car owners to remain vigilant and take precautions. While there is no foolproof solution to protect side-view mirrors, multiple locks are available in the market to safeguard your vehicle. Good luck in keeping your car and car parts safe from these thieves!

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