Organised car parts theft on the rise in Dhaka
News Desk :
Dhaka is witnessing a sharp surge in incidents of car part theft, with organised gangs reportedly targeting both parked and moving vehicles across residential areas, commercial zones, and traffic-congested hotspots.
According to police and residents, car batteries, side mirrors, wheels, headlights, and fog lamps are among the most commonly stolen components. Alarmingly, thefts are now frequently occurring in broad daylight – even in areas under CCTV surveillance.
Law enforcement officials estimate that over 50 organised groups are currently operating across the capital. Many stolen parts are quickly resold – often without documentation-in second-hand markets located in areas such as Dholaikhal and Bangshal, where they are purchased by workshops and garages.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has acknowledged the increasing trend and said it has stepped up monitoring efforts. However, victims continue to express frustration over the apparent lack of follow-up action, with many turning to social media to report thefts and voice dissatisfaction with police responses.
In several cases, complainants claim they received little to no support after filing reports. “It happened in front of my apartment at 8:30 am. By the time I came outside, the side mirrors were already gone,” said Mohammad Faisal, a resident of Bashundhara R/A. “I lodged a complaint with the local station, but there was no investigation. No one even asked for CCTV footage.”
Police have advised car owners to install battery locks, wheel nut locks, GPS trackers and alarm systems, and to avoid parking in poorly lit or unsecured locations. Dash cameras have also been recommended as a deterrent and for use as evidence in investigations.
A senior officer from the Detective Branch (DB) of the DMP, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that nearly 200 complaints of car part theft were lodged over the past three months. “These are not isolated incidents,” the officer said. “We believe 40 to 50 gangs are operating citywide. They scout using motorbikes or small vehicles and often pose as mechanics or vendors to avoid suspicion.”
Neighbourhoods including Dhanmondi, Uttara, Mohammadpur and Mirpur have all reported multiple incidents in recent weeks. CCTV footage from some of these areas shows how quickly offenders can dismantle parts, often within minutes.
One of the worst-affected areas is Gulistan, particularly during peak traffic hours. Commuters report frequent incidents of car part theft while stuck at signal stops around Bangabandhu National Stadium, Golap Shah Mazar, Zero Point and the entrances to the underground market.
Sabuj Khan, an employee at a private firm, described how he was targeted. “While waiting at a red light near Golap Shah Mazar, two boys approached pretending to sell tissues. One distracted me while the other snatched the side mirror and ran. I only realised what had happened when I reached the office.”
Similar reports have come from Shahbagh and Paltan, with police stations in these areas regularly receiving complaints. Officials admit that limited surveillance infrastructure and heavy crowding pose major challenges for enforcement.
However, the DMP says it has launched targeted operations and increased plainclothes patrols in high-risk zones. “We urge the public to report such incidents promptly via the 999 emergency helpline or our online portal,” said a senior officer. “Footage from dash cams can be immensely helpful in identifying suspects.”
Despite these efforts, many residents remain concerned about personal and property safety. Sharmeen Haque, a schoolteacher from Gulshan, expressed frustration after replacing her car’s fog lamps twice in six months. “A set costs over Tk 15,000. This is not just theft-it’s harassment.”
Transport experts and civic groups have urged the authorities to enhance surveillance, increase policing in vulnerable zones, and take stronger action against illegal markets that resell stolen parts. Courtesy: UNB