Bhubaneswar: Bike theft gangs have become active in Bhubaneswar ahead of the puja season, with more than 40 cases of two-wheelers being stolen reported at various police stations in September, the police informed.
The thieves are targeting crowded places, particularly markets, hospitals and bus stands, and fleeing with parked bikes. Police register cases after receiving complaints, but the alleged failure to pursue the cases seriously has emboldened the thieves, residents said.
Khandagiri police station has recorded the highest number of bike theft cases, with seven reported in September. The increasing number of thefts has raised concerns that the situation could worsen during the puja season, when large crowds gather at markets and other public places.
Residents have urged police to step up patrolling and investigate the cases seriously instead of treating bike thefts as minor offences.