KATHMANDU: In spite of the rigorous surveillance carried out by the traffic authorities, motorcycle thefts are on the rise in the capital.

According to the data provided by Motorcycle Theft and Control Section (MTACS) of the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, 152 motorcycles were stolen in the valley in a span 24 days, while 71 bikes have already been found and handed over to the owners.

An official at MTACS said, “Pulsar, Splendor and Discover are the motorbike brands most targeted by the thieves.”

The stolen motorbikes are sold in the neighbouring districts of the valley at low prices, with Sindhupalchowk, Kavre and Dolakha topping the list. Though the MTACS has deployed a 25-member committee for the control and investigation into motorcycle theft, it has failed to show its impact.

Bibhuti Raj Pandey, in-charge, MTACS, said blamed lure of lucre for the theft.