Thieves in Haryana love to ride away on motorcycles

Come September,no motorcycle shall be passed by the district registration authorities,unless its owner possesses a wheel lock,which shall be inspected at the time of the registration of the vehicle. To start with,the practice will be initiated in Jhajjar and Ambala districts.

Haryana DGP Ranjiv Singh Dalal,in his direction to district SPs,has pointed out that among the total number of auto thefts in the state,75 per cent are of motorcycles. While 15 per cent thefts are of cars,the remaining are of other vehicles. Jhajjar SP Patram Singh said that both traffic officials and motor vehicle inspectors have been asked not to pass any motorcycle,the owner of which does not possess a wheel lock.

“Instructions have been issued that all owners must purchase motorcycle locks to prevent thefts. The vehicle dealers have also been issued instructions to sell wheel locks along with the motorcycle,so that thefts could be curbed,” said Mohammad Akil,IG (Law and Order).

In the first seven months,around 6,600 motor vehicles were stolen from various districts in Haryana. In the previous year for the corresponding period,around 6,300 motor vehicles were stolen. In a study conducted by the Haryana Police,it was found that motorcycles were the most favourite among auto thieves.

“Many a times we have found that criminals use stolen motorcylces while escaping from a crime spot. The registration numbers on such motorcycles are fudged. Under such circumstances,when we trace the motorcycle from its registration number,it is found to be stolen. It not only creates roadblocks in the investigation of a crime,but also consumes more time and energy. Wheel locks will definitely bring the number of thefts down. People who already own motorcycles have been suggested to purchase wheel locks,” the Jhajjar SP said.

What is a Wheel lock?

Wheel locks are usually fixed with the front wheel of a motorcycle,but can be fixed on the rear wheel as well. The lock immobilises the motorcycle,restricting the vehicle’s movement. “Any kind of lock,which is made of steel or iron chain,becomes really hard to be broken or cut. There are many kinds of such locks available in the market,specifically for motorcycles,which get locked either by a code number or key. The lock does not cost much. If a person can purchase a motorcycle worth Rs 60,000 to 70,000 or even more,an additional cost of Rs 300 to 400 should not pinch anybody,” said Jhajjar SP Patram Singh.