MARGAO: South Goa police stations has recovered half of the total 60 auto thefts, mostly scooters, cars and motorcycles that were reported from various police stations in the district last year.
According to the information available from police sources, most of the auto thefts were reported from various parts of South Goa, mainly Margao, Fatorda, Verna and Ponda.
As per police figures, as many as 12 automobiles were stolen from Fatorda of which six have been detected, while in Verna 14 auto thefts were reported and only four were detected. Nine auto thefts were reported in Ponda and six were detected. Six auto thefts were reported from Vasco and three were detected, while five vehicles were stolen from Margao, of which three were recovered.
One police sub-inspector from Salcete police station said that there is no sudden spurt in the number of two-wheeler thefts and argued that the figures are looking high because of increased registration of cases.
Police have also recovered few dismantled vehicles stolen from some parts of South Goa. According to them, in many cases, robbers steal the vehicles and sell them at different locations to avoid getting caught.
For instance, engines of two-wheelers are removed and sold at one place, while other parts are sold elsewhere to destroy evidence.
One of the The police officer who detected several cases of auto thefts in the past, said that all types of automobiles are stolen by robbers, but they seem to prefer motorbikes as they fetch good price due to high brand value.
