UT Inspector-General of Police S. K. Singh wrote to the SSP yesterday, expressing concern over increase in theft of motor vehicles which, he said, was evident "from the perusal of the daily crime report"; Singh made it clear that he took an "adverse view" of the matter.

Subsequently, in a communique dispatched to the SHOs and SDPOs today, Reddy has observed that no proper interest was being taken at the level of SHOs or SDPOs and even by the anti-auto theft (AAT) staff. He pointing to the poor recovery rate: only 27 vehicles have been recovered so far.

Between January 1 and May 31 this year, 211 motor vehicles were stolen. That is, roughly three vehicles are lifted every second day.

The SSP has instructed SDPOs Central and South to lay traps at theft prone areas every day using the AAT staff. SHOs have been told to keep tabs on auto workshops, painters and duplicate key-makers. They will convene a meeting of all such people. The police officers will also keep an eye on secondhand vehicle dealers who thieves are likely to contact. If vehicles offered for sale arouse suspicion, officers have been told to seize the documents until facts are verified.

The Senior Superintendent of Police observed that recovered stolen vehicles are not properly searched. The officers have been told to photograph the cars and dust them for finger prints.