by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

Mysore, Jan 13: Not satisfied with the already increasing types of various criminal modes, the thieves have found another freak mode of crime which attracts the least suspicion — stealing petrol from two-wheelers.

This new addition to the list of criminal activities has given an additional headache for the Police of detecting a 'petrol-thief', which is a tricky one.

The modus operandi of these petrol-thieves is to visit a venue where public programmes are held and when the audience are busy attending the function with their vehicles parked outside, these thieves get down to business and empty the petrol tanks by cutting the pipe and draining petrol into cans.

This has sent the Police into utter confusion since it is a tedious practice to check each and everyone seen near a two-wheeler and drawing petrol, which attracts least suspicion.

Though this new crime has been in practice since last few weeks, it came to light only when the thieves stole petrol from more than 50 two-wheelers during the E-TV Dance Mela and another musical evening held in Bannimantap grounds and Manasagangotri Open-Air Theatre on last Saturday and Sunday respectively.

While the owners of those motorbikes were enjoying the musical evening, the thieves stole petrol from the bikes by cutting the plastic pipes and dripping petrol into bottles and cans.

Though, many were seen pushing their bikes with empty petrol tanks, the Police are in a fix as to how to tackle the menace since no complaints have been registered with them.

Such incidents have taken place in busy places like Bus Stand, Railway Station and film theatres also and though the public complain about the crime, the action will be taken when such complaints are registered with the Police, DCP Rajendra Prasad said.

Though it is not yet been confirmed if a particular gang is involved, it is said the unemployed youth could be behind this new crime.