The Thane Crime Branch has arrested a habitual vehicle thief, Karan Balu Athaw, 24, from Jay Bhim Nagar in Kalwa West, solving six theft cases and recovering seven stolen vehicles worth Rs2.85 lakh.
Police said an autorickshaw parked at Kadela Park in Kharegaon was reported stolen, prompting the complainant to file an FIR at Kalwa Police Station. Crime Branch officials immediately scanned CCTV footage and gathered intelligence from informants, spotting the suspect arriving at the location and driving away with the vehicle without consent.
Further analysis of multiple CCTV recordings helped police track his route. Athaw was apprehended on September 15 and brought to the police station for questioning.
During interrogation, Athaw admitted to committing six prior offenses. His method involved using a master key to unlock roadside vehicles. Within just two months, he had stolen seven vehicles — including five autorickshaws — across the Thane Police Commissionerate and Thane Rural jurisdiction. Six of these thefts were registered at Kapurbawdi and Kalwa police stations.
Police continue to investigate to determine if Athaw may be linked to other similar thefts in the area.
