Act fast
My phone or bike was stolen. What should I do?
Simple answer
Report it to the police quickly and get a copy of the FIR. Theft is generally a cognizable offence (police can act without court permission). For a phone, also block the SIM and block the handset on Sanchar Saathi (CEIR). For a bike, tell your insurer at once.
Real-life examples
Two men on a bike grab Arjun's phone from his hand in Pune. This is snatching (BNS 304), punishable with up to 3 years. He files an FIR, gets a duplicate SIM, and blocks the phone on CEIR using the FIR copy.
Fatima's scooter is stolen from outside her house. She files an e-FIR on her state police portal and informs her insurer the same day. If police cannot trace it, the insurer usually asks for the police's final 'untraced' report before paying.
Rahul left his phone on a bus and it is gone. Since nobody is known to have taken it, police may record a lost-article report instead of a theft FIR. He can still block the phone on CEIR with that report.
What should you do?
- 1Call your mobile operator to block the SIM and get a duplicate SIM. Change UPI, bank and email passwords from another device.
- 2File an FIR at the nearest police station, or an e-FIR on your state police portal if available. An e-FIR must be signed within 3 days.
- 3Block the phone on Sanchar Saathi (CEIR) with the FIR or lost report, the IMEI number (on the box or bill) and ID proof. Keep the request ID to unblock it later.
- 4For a bike or car, inform your insurer immediately. Keep the FIR copy, RC, policy and all keys ready, as insurers usually ask for them.
- 5Follow up with the investigating officer. If the item isn't found, ask for a copy of the final report for your insurer.
Exceptions & limits
- If the thief used force or threatened to hurt someone, it may be robbery, which is more serious than theft.
- Knowingly buying or keeping a stolen phone or bike is also a crime. Check a second-hand phone's IMEI on Sanchar Saathi before buying.
- For a first theft of goods worth under ₹5,000, if the property or its value is returned, the punishment is community service instead of jail.
Official legal reference
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — Section 303
Theft: up to 3 years, or fine, or both; 1 to 5 years for a repeat offender; community service for a first theft under ₹5,000 if property is returned.
Earlier: IPC Sections 378, 379Read the official textBharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — Section 304
Snatching: suddenly or forcibly grabbing property from a person to steal it. Up to 3 years and fine. A new, separate offence.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — Section 317
Dishonestly receiving or keeping property you know or have reason to believe is stolen: up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
Earlier: IPC Sections 410, 411Read the official textBharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 — Section 173
FIR can be given at any police station, orally or electronically; an e-FIR is taken on record once signed within 3 days; free copy to the informant.
Earlier: CrPC Section 154Read the official text
Where to get help
Sanchar Saathi
Report fraud calls/SMS (Chakshu), block a lost phone (CEIR), check SIMs in your name.
National Cyber Crime Helpline
Report online financial fraud immediately so the money trail can be frozen.
Source & status
- Applies to
- Varies by state
- e-FIR and online lost-report facilities differ by state. Some states allow e-FIR only for certain cases, such as vehicle theft or theft by unknown persons. Check your state police citizen portal.
- Law in force since
- 1 Jul 2024
- Legal review
- Draft — awaiting lawyer review
Educational information, not legal advice for your case. Exact facts and the law that applies matter — speak to a lawyer before acting.