Helmet thefts on the rise: Residents opt for bicycle locks

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The sale and use of helmets have increased considerably in the city after the District Transport Office (DTO) of Kamrup (Metro) made it mandatory for riders and pillion riders to wear helmets.

Taking advantage of the situation, a few miscreants have started stealing helmets that are kept on the top of the bikes. As per sources, instances of helmet thefts have risen in the areas of Athgaon, AT Road, Fancy Bazar, and Beltola.

Most two-wheelers have space to keep helmets. However, bike riders have found it increasingly difficult to protect their helmets from miscreants. As such, residents have opted for newer methods to protect their helmets from getting stolen, such as locking them with cycle locks.

The worst to get affected are the bike taxis, who claim that their helmets are stolen when they park their vehicle on the road and go for a tea break. "This has added an extra expense to our daily income.

"Our helmets get stolen. Besides, If we don't carry helmets, the administration fines us," said a bike taxi rider said.

However, sources in the Dispur Police Station and Fancy Bazar OP (Outpost) -- where the cases of helmet thefts have risen - informed that they have not received any complaints on the matter. "Yes, we too have heard about instances of helmet thefts, but as of now, we have not received any official complaint," added a senior traffic official.

Notably, 973 two-wheeler riders were booked for such violations during the helmet enforcement drive that began from December 1, under the 'Assam Motor Vehicles Act'.

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