UP: Auto-thefts continue unabated in Prayagraj zone, city leads with 228 cases in 2 months

PRAYAGRAJ: Auto-theft is rampant in Prayagraj and its adjoining districts with at least 3-4 vehicles being stolen daily from the Sangam city alone, according to the data released by police department.
In first two months of this year, at least 228 of total 351 cases of auto-theft were recorded in Prayagraj which was the highest in eight districts comprising Prayagraj police zone.
These eight districts include Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Fatehpur, Banda, Hamirpur, Mahoba and Chitrakoot.
Prayagraj is followed by Pratapgarh (62), Kaushambi (26), Fatehpur (16), Banda (7), Mahoba (5) and Chitrakoot (4). Hamirpur figures at the bottom of the list with only three cases.
Prayagraj range, comprising Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Kaushambi and Fatehpur, recorded 386 cases of vehicle theft while Banda range comprising Banda, Chitrakoot, Mahoba and Hamirpur registered 19 cases.
Concerned over the fact that highest cases were recorded in Prayagraj range, IG (Prayagraj range) KP Singh has directed his subordinates to pull up socks and initiate result-oriented operations to tighten the noose around auto-lifters.
In 2019, Prayagraj recorded over 1,600 cases of auto-theft, which included over 1,300 motorcycles.
According to crime branch officials, 22 gangs of auto-lifters were busted last year and most of the accused were in the age group of 20-30 years.
Police investigations and arrest of auto-lifters have revealed that trans-Ganga and trans-Yamuna pockets have become safe dumping grounds for auto-lifters. They not only sell off the vehicles but also hire rented accommodations to hide stolen vehicles.
Interestingly, huge seizure of tractor parts from a godown in Shankargarh in trans-Yamuna area have also shocked top police brass.
In last two months, Prayagraj police claimed to have busted nine gangs and seized over four dozen motorcycles. Police found that educated youths are taking to auto-theft to earn fast bucks or to lead a lavish lifestyle.
Police said at least three such gangs have been busted which operate in Prayagraj during day time and escape with stolen bikes to their native towns in neighbouring districts.
“Sleuths of crime branch have been roped in to bust networking of auto-lifters and Prayagraj police are also coordinating with neighbouring district police to bust gangs,” a senior police officer said.