A resident of Russia’s Irkutsk region tried to steal a car described as a “nine” using an unusual method, but authorities ultimately detained him. This incident was reported on the Telegram channel of the Regional Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
Investigators say the man, who had cheated his father, used his own jeep to tow another vehicle, performed repairs, and then drove the car to a friend in a neighboring village. En route, the vehicle ran out of fuel in the gas tank, forcing the plot to derail. The car stopped, and the man had to abandon it and walk home. Police later apprehended him in the city of Cheremkhovo.
Authorities noted that the stolen car was in poor condition: the battery was missing, tires were flat, and a door remained ajar. The culprit convinced his father that the vehicle was his own, bought on installments, and that he was simply helping move it to a garage for repairs. A local repair shop reportedly fixed the car, allowing the theft to be carried out by a single driver who did not fully own the vehicle. A criminal case has been opened against the suspect.
In related discussions, there has been coverage about how car wash and service stations may inadvertently facilitate theft. Auto experts have noted that some service centers can deactivate security features such as the locking relay, and even manipulate hood security cables. If a service bays’ technicians disconnect or reroute a cable, a thief can pop the hood and access internal components more easily. Experts warn that the risk of theft exists in both informal workshops and authorized dealerships alike.
Additionally, there have been discussions on preventative measures. Prior guidance from professionals emphasizes strengthening vehicle security through reliable alarms, reinforced door latches, and verified immobilizer systems. Car owners are encouraged to be vigilant about vehicle history, installments, and who has access to their keys. Such steps can reduce the chances of a similar incident occurring, even when someone attempts to misrepresent ownership or manipulate repair narratives. [Citation: Regional Main Directorate Telegram channel]
Overall, the case underscores the importance of robust, verifiable vehicle care practices and the ongoing need for diligence in both formal and informal automotive service settings. It also illustrates how fraud schemes can involve fake ownership claims and manipulated repair stories to facilitate theft or misappropriation of a vehicle. The police investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full extent of the suspect’s actions and to prevent similar incidents in the future.