An estimated 100,000 cars are stolen in India every year. This number has been steadily increasing in recent years, and it is estimated that the number of stolen cars could reach 125,000 by 2025.
The most stolen cars in India are Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, and Honda City. These cars are popular among thieves because they are relatively easy to steal and they have a high resale value.
The states with the highest number of car thefts are Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. These states have large populations and they are also home to major cities, which makes them more attractive to thieves.
There are several things that you can do to protect your car from being stolen. These include:
- Installing a security system
- Parking in well-lit areas
- Not leaving valuables in your car
- Keeping your car doors locked
- Reporting any suspicious activity to the police
How Often is a Car Stolen in India?
There were a total of 100,085 cases of motor vehicle theft reported in India in 2020. This is an average of 272 cars stolen every day.
The states with the highest number of car thefts in 2020 were:
- Delhi: 14,312
- Uttar Pradesh: 13,005
- Maharashtra: 10,533
- Karnataka: 8,264
- Andhra Pradesh: 5,658
Which Car is Most Stolen in India?
The most stolen car in India is the Maruti Suzuki Swift. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there were 12,466 cases of Maruti Suzuki Swift thefts reported in 2020. This is followed by the Hyundai i20 (9,832 cases) and the Honda City (8,424 cases).
Here are the top 5 most stolen cars in India in 2020:
- Maruti Suzuki Swift
- Hyundai i20
- Honda City
- Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
- Mahindra Scorpio
What Happens to Stolen Cars in India?
There are a few things that can happen to stolen cars in India.
- They are dismantled and the parts are sold. This is the most common fate for stolen cars. The thieves will dismantle the car and sell the parts on the black market. This is because it is easier and more profitable to sell the parts than the whole car.
- They are used for crime. Stolen cars are often used for crimes, such as robberies or kidnappings. This is because they are easy to get away with and they can be easily disposed of if they are caught.
- They are exported. Stolen cars are sometimes exported to other countries. This is because the laws in other countries may be less strict, making it easier for the thieves to sell the car.
- They are never recovered. Unfortunately, some stolen cars are never recovered. This is often because the thieves are very good at covering their tracks.
Which Car is Criminal in India?
There is no one specific car that is considered to be a “criminal car” in India. However, some cars are more likely to be used for criminal activity than others. These cars are often chosen because they are easy to steal, have a high resale value, or can be easily modified to make them more difficult to track.
Some of the cars that are considered to be more likely to be used for criminal activity in India include:
- Maruti Suzuki Swift
- Hyundai i20
- Honda City
- Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
- Mahindra Scorpio
- Toyota Innova Crysta
- Hyundai Creta
- Mahindra XUV500
- Tata Nexon
- Renault Duster
What Part is Most Stolen From Cars?
The most stolen part from cars is the catalytic converter. Catalytic converters are devices that convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful gases. They are made of precious metals, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which are valuable on the black market.
Other commonly stolen car parts include:
- Tires and wheels
- Batteries
- Stereos
- Speakers
- Taillights
- Windshields
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What Time Are Most Cars Stolen?
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), most cars are stolen between midnight and 3 AM. This is because the streets are usually empty at this time, making it easier for thieves to operate without being seen.
Here are some other factors that can increase the risk of your car being stolen:
- Parking in a high-crime area
- Leaving your car unlocked
- Leaving valuables in your car
- Having a weak security system
Why Do People Steal Cars?
People steal cars for a variety of reasons, including:
- To commit other crimes
- To sell for parts
- To export
- To joyride
- To commit insurance fraud
How Can I Protect My Car From Theft in India?
Car theft is a serious problem in India, but there are several things you can do to protect your car from being stolen. Here are some tips:
- Park in well-lit areas
- Keep your car locked at all times
- Do not leave valuables in your car
- Install a security system
- Report any suspicious activity to the police
Here are some additional things you can do to protect your car from being stolen in India:
- Avoid parking in isolated areas
- If you must park in a public place, park near other cars or in a well-lit area
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your car when you are not in it
- If you see anything suspicious, such as someone lurking around your car, report it to the police immediately
Does Insurance Cover Car Theft in India?
Yes, car insurance in India covers car theft. However, the extent of coverage will vary depending on the type of insurance policy you have.
- Third-party insurance: Covers damage to other vehicles and property if you are at fault in an accident. It does not cover damage to your car, including theft.
- Comprehensive insurance: Covers damage to your car, including theft, and also damage caused by natural disasters.
- Add-on covers: Additional coverage options are available, such as zero depreciation, keyless car cover, and roadside assistance.
How Can I Find My Stolen Car in India?
If your car is stolen in India, you can take the following steps to find it:
- Report the theft to the police immediately
- Contact your insurance company
- Check with local scrapyards and pawn shops
- Use a tracking device if installed
- Post flyers and social media
- Be patient
How Do Thieves Steal Cars Without Keys?
There are several ways that thieves can steal cars without keys. Some common methods include:
- Relay theft
- Keyless entry hacking
- Bump keying
- Hotwiring
What Are the Least Stolen Cars?
The least stolen cars are those that are less desirable to thieves. Some of the least stolen cars include:
- Toyota Corolla
- Honda Civic
- Nissan Sentra
- Hyundai Elantra
- Volkswagen Jetta
