There seems to be no end to the epidemic of motorbike thefts reported in the state, despite police attempts to clamp down on the menace.
Although many such thefts target bikes and other two-wheelers parked on public roads, thieves are even daring and able enough to lift the vehicles from inside residential properties.
One such incident took place in the wee hours of Wednesday morning at Lummawbah Block 4 in Upper Shillong.
Ibanli Ryngsiat’s motorcycle (ML 05AD 7817) was stolen from inside his residence. Ryngsiat reported the incident to the Jhalupara police outpost and lodged an FIR.
Consult the Meghalaya Police’s crime journal updated on its website and one can find numerous thefts reported almost daily.
Ryngsiat told Highland Post that the theft occurred between 2-3am. Although the motorbike was parked at his residence, the gate to the property had been left unlocked, opening up a way for the thieves to make off with the two-wheeler.
Ryngsiat, a student who had just purchased the motorcycle in October last year, expressed hope that the police would help him recover his stolen vehicle.
Police have been publicising their successes in recovering stolen bikes. The stolen two-wheelers are often spirited across the state’s borders; recently police recovered three of them in East Jaintia Hills that had seemingly been abandoned. All three had their licence plates removed.
Ryngsiat also lamented the rising number of theft cases in Shillong, citing concerns about the safety and security of citizens.
