2014 saw some major action from car jackers with the utility segments continuing to be easy targets as the most stolen vehicles were the Chevrolet Tavera and Mahindra Scorpio.

Car Thief
Stolen vehicles are then sold in neighbouring states for Rs. 50,000-70,000/-

One of the largest cities in the world, Mumbai has a lot to offer and surprisingly can accommodate everyone and everything thrown at it. While the cosmopolitan is known to have its many faces including an exuberant lifestyle and high standard of living, the city is also growing on to become a favourite spot for car jackers to do their deal with the devil. A recent RTI filing revealed that Mumbai is one of the more delectable places for car thieves with the utlity segment being the most attractive of the lot.

The stolen cars are sold in a different state like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab for a paltry sum of Rs. 50,000-70,000/-. The whole operation is carried out through a chain, wherein the last person sells the car in the open market for a price similar to the current rate. With the increasing number of car thefts, Mumbai Police has also created a special task force named Motor Vehicle Theft (MVT) comprising of 30 officials and have been working round the clock to retrieve the stolen vehicles.

However, the stolen cars are sold in places far out of the reach of the police, while certain models also run as people carriers. In addition, models are also scrapped and parts are sold by the thieves to make a quick buck without gaining too much heat. As certain thieves were nabbed by the police, it has been revealed that the carjackers do regular day jobs as drivers and mechanics that helps them get closer to the vehicle, while the theft is executed in the night. Want to know which car is on the hit list of the car thieves; here are the 10 most stolen cars in Mumbai in 2014 –

1) Chevrolet Tavera

Chevrolet Tavera
The Tavera was the most stolen vehicle for 2014, beating the Scorpio to the title

2) Mahindra Scorpio

Mahindra Scorpio long term side
The Scorpio moved down a position in 2014 after being the most stolen car in 2013

3) Toyota Innova

2014 Toyota Innova Limited Edition
Popular with cab operators, the Toyota Innova is an easy find in Mumbai

4) Hyundai Santro

Hyundai Santro
The Santro still has a strong demand in rural markets making it popular with car thieves

5) Tata Indigo

Tata Indigo
The Indigo manages to be a workhorse without many frills, which also makes it easy to steal

6) Mahindra Bolero

Mahindra Bolero
Popular in the rural areas, the Bolero offers good margin to car thieves

7) Maruti Suzuki Swift

Maruti Swift Diesel Long Term Mileage
It’s easy to spot a Swift in Mumbai and it is easier to steal one too it seems

8) Tata Vista

Tata Vista
While the Bolt will replace it soon, the Vista continues to be popular as a people carrier attracting thieves

9) Premier Padmini

Fiat Padmini
The most surprising on the list, Mumbai is full of Padmini’s & also a soft target for thieves

10) Maruti Esteem

Maruti Esteem
A defunct model, the relatively simple Esteem still manages to attract thieves