In the first five months of this year, vehicle thefts in Islamabad have been a significant concern, with 254 automobiles and 1,675 motorbikes reported stolen or snatched, according to police records. Among automobiles, Suzuki Mehran and Honda 125cc motorcycles were the most targeted. Suzuki emerged at the top of the list with 104 stolen vehicles, primarily consisting of 71 Mehrans and a number of Bolan vans. Toyota followed closely with 76 stolen cars, while Honda accounted for 22 thefts. Even luxury vehicles like Mercedes were not spared by criminals.
Interestingly, Suzuki vehicles, especially Mehran and Bolan models, have become more prominent targets following recent police operations against car theft gangs. These stolen vehicles often end up in regions like Kashmir due to their ease of transportation through mountainous terrain. Toyota vehicles, known for their robustness and high ground clearance, are typically moved to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where there is a demand for such vehicles on rural roads. In Punjab’s rural areas, there is also a significant market for stolen Toyota cars.
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Honda vehicles, although vulnerable to theft, are somewhat traceable due to forensic capabilities in Lahore, making them less attractive in the black market. Consequently, stolen Honda cars are sometimes dismantled or have their engine and chassis numbers altered before resale in urban areas. In the realm of motorbike thefts, Honda motorcycles were the most targeted, accounting for over 1,000 stolen bikes, including popular models like the 125cc and CD-70. Other brands like United, Union Star, Hi-Speed, Yamaha, and Suzuki also faced significant theft incidents during this period.
