Man in Nanchong, Sichuan Steals Unlocked EV by Pulling Door Handle, Caught Within 4 Hours

On July 3, a theft involving a new-energy vehicle occurred in Yilong County, Nanchong City, Sichuan Province. The owner, Mr. Wang, had parked his car outside his residential compound due to heavy rain and forgot to lock the doors, leaving the keys inside. The vehicle—a new-energy electric car he had purchased three years ago—was subsequently stolen. After receiving the report, police immediately launched an investigation and used surveillance footage to identify the suspect, 21-year-old Wang, and track his escape route. Wang, who has no legitimate occupation and does not hold a driver’s license, discovered Mr. Wang’s unlocked vehicle by randomly pulling on car doors that day. He then drove off with the car, intending to use it temporarily as shelter and planning to drive to Chengdu after charging the battery. Within four hours of the incident, police intercepted Wang en route and recovered the stolen vehicle. The case is currently under further investigation. Authorities reminded vehicle owners to always lock their car doors after parking to prevent similar incidents.