CCTV footage captures theft near hospital; police reviewing cameras as residents demand more patrols

A motorcycle parked outside Rewa Hospital was stolen late Saturday night, with the entire incident caught on nearby CCTV cameras, police and witnesses said. The theft has added to growing concern among residents over a spate of vehicle-related crimes in the city.

What happened
According to police sources, the two-wheeler bearing registration UP 55 AM 9809 was parked near the hospital at around 10:00 pm when a young man approached the area and lingered near the vehicle. The suspect is seen in the footage keeping watch for several minutes before getting on the bike and riding away, the video shows. The owner returned shortly afterwards and found the motorcycle missing.

Sequence and first response
Initial reports indicate the owner searched the vicinity and questioned nearby shops, but could not locate the bike. The incident was reported to Civil Lines police, who secured CCTV clips from cameras on the hospital compound and adjacent buildings that captured the theft and the direction in which the suspect fled.

Police action
“CCTV footage has been recovered and is under examination,” an officer at Rewa Police Station said on condition of anonymity. Investigating teams are coordinating with shop owners and municipal camera feeds to trace the route used by the thief. Officers said they have circulated stills from the footage among local units and are checking whether the suspect’s image matches any records from previous incidents.

Local reaction
Shopkeepers and residents in the hospital area expressed frustration, saying vehicle thefts have become more frequent in recent weeks. “We often leave bikes for short periods when visiting the hospital or shops; now people are scared,” said a nearby shop employee. Several residents asked the police to increase night patrols and monitor hotspots such as hospitals, markets and busy thoroughfares.

Pattern of incidents
Neighbourhood sources and local social media groups say similar thefts have been reported from other parts of Rewa, particularly in crowded public spaces. Police acknowledged a rise in complaints involving two-wheeler snatching and theft, though they did not provide citywide figures. Officers urged vehicle owners to take precautions, including using locks, parking in well-lit or guarded areas and noting down unique vehicle markings that can help identification.

On-the-ground cues
The CCTV footage shows the suspect wearing dark clothing and a helmet, moving confidently among parked vehicles before riding off. Time stamps on some of the cameras place the event shortly after 10 pm, when foot traffic around the hospital had thinned. Investigators are checking camera overlaps along the likely escape route to build a timeline.

Evidence and next steps
Police said they will process the footage for clearer images and check nearby establishments’ cameras for additional angles. “We are pursuing all leads and hope to identify the accused soon,” the officer said. If the suspect used an intermediary route or dumped the bike, retrieving it may depend on local tips, the officer added.

Public safety measures
Authorities urged citizens to register complaints immediately after any theft and to share any relevant camera recordings with investigators. Residents suggested short-term measures such as temporary guards at hospital parking and community watch initiatives, while calling for longer-term solutions — better street lighting, more patrolling and faster follow-up on CCTV leads.

Why it matters
Vehicle thefts near hospitals affect not only owners but also visitors who often leave vehicles unattended during urgent medical visits. With several such incidents reported in recent weeks, the community’s sense of safety has been dented, prompting demands for a visible policing presence during night hours.

What to watch
Police said they would update the public as identification progresses and urged anyone with information to contact the Civil Lines police station. Neighbourhood committees said they planned to meet municipal authorities this week to press for additional surveillance and patrolling around vulnerable spots.