New Delhi: Vehicle thefts in India surged by 2.5 times in the calendar year (CY) 2023 compared to CY 2022, with New Delhi witnessing the maximum number of thefts, as per the ‘Theft and the City 2024’ report by Acko Digital Insurance.According to Business Standard, the report highlights that New Delhi accounted for 80% of passenger car thefts in India during CY 2023. Despite this, the capital’s overall share of vehicle thefts dropped from 56% in 2022 to 37% in 2023.New Delhi maintains its status as the prime location for vehicle thefts in India, witnessing an alarming rate of 105 cases reported daily in 2023. The report underscores that “a vehicle is stolen every 14 minutes in the capital.”Commenting on the escalating theft trend nationwide, Animesh Das, chief executive of Acko General Insurance Company, said, “The post-COVID increase in mobility has led to a rise in theft, primarily due to heightened parking issues. Recognising this trend, insurance companies have improved underwriting processes to address the evolving risks. These enhancements enable more accurate risk assessment and coverage customisation, resulting in a smoother claims process for policyholders.”Maruti Wagon R and Maruti Swift are the most frequently stolen cars in Delhi-NCR, followed by Hyundai Creta, Hyundai Grand i10, and Maruti Swift Dzire.At least 47% of all stolen cars are Maruti Suzuki, the newspaper reported.In Chennai, vehicle thefts have doubled to 10.5% from 5% in 2022. Bengaluru has experienced a slight increase in the percentage of vehicle thefts, rising to 10.2% from 9% during the same period.