Car logo theft on the rise

Mangalore, February 18: It could be kleptomania or a way to make easy money, monograms, badges or logos of expensive cars like BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda and Merc are being increasingly targetted. And the culprits are said to be students.

Stealing car logos is the newest trend in auto theft in the city, especially in areas where mass parking is done and near colleges. Most of the thefts have occurred near Town Hall, TMA Pai Convention Hall, State Bank of India (Hamilton) Circle, Jeppu and Light House Hill Road areas.

Ramesh S, who lost Volkswagen monogram on the rear within a week after the car was bought, says that usually car owners miss the theft as the most observed spots are tyres for proper inflation or punctures, scratches on the panels etc. "It must have occurred a few days back. It is the unlikeliest thing one will ever notice. There was no use of complaining. I will have to shell out Rs 1,800 to buy one,'' he adds.

Charan Suvarna, sales manager, Volkswagen, says the logos are costly as they are imported from Germany. "Untill they are sourced locally, this problem will continue,'' says Suvarna adding that they have received 20 inquiries for logo replacement A scrap dealer in Bunder said, "Last week two students were trying to sell a Volkswagen logo. A customer, who had come for some used part, started inquiring them on suspicion and they bolted. But, we could not catch them.''

The expensive logos are not available with local scrap dealers and they claim that the logos find way to Bangalore. "Police should find out whom the students work for. It is looking like a big racket here,'' another scrap dealer added.

Vinay Goankar, police inspector, Mangalore north admits logo theft is on the rise, but none have complained about it so far. He also indicates that mostly students are behind the new type of theft. According to sources several complaints have been withdrawn after parents of the students who were caught stealing the logos pleaded not to spoil their wards' future. Sometimes they also promise to make good the loss.

Showroom sources said flicking a logo was easy as they are either stuck with special glue or held in position with clips. "With a screw driver and correct pressure one can remove it without making any damage to the logo,'' the source added.