126 cars stolen while police focus on I-Day
Car thieves had a field day while the police were busy with security arrangements for Independence Day. As many as 126 vehicles, including two wheelers, were stolen in 24 hours — a four-fold rise — when usual policing duties weren't given enough attention. Vijaita Singh reports.
Car thieves had a field day while the police were busy with security arrangements for Independence Day.
As many as 126 vehicles, including two wheelers, were stolen in 24 hours — a four-fold rise — when usual policing duties weren't given enough attention.
Security arrangements this Independence Day were being seen as a test run for security the city would witness during the Commonwealth Games.
Thousands of security personnel were deployed for the celebrations, including SWAT commandos at the Red Fort where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gave a speech.
"My father had parked his scooter in front of the gate. In the morning it was not there," said Hemlata, a resident of Prasad Nagar in central Delhi.
About 102 vehicles were reportedly stolen on Saturday, the rest on Sunday. The police claimed checking vehicle thefts was not their job alone.
"People do not have enough parking space but are not ready to buy safety gadgets," said Rajan Bhagat, Delhi Police spokesman.
"Police alone cannot check these thefts. It is a lucrative business and chances of detection are low."