Explaining the modus operandi, ACP (Crimes) Phalguna Rao said the accused, K Naresh Kumar used to steal parked auto rickshaws and drive them in rural areas by changing number plates to earn fast buck.
He was arrested today when he was trying to steal another rickshaw.
In another case, PM Palem police arrested a history-sheeter indulged in crimes of burglary and chain-snatching.
He is identified as P Nagaraju.
Police recovered 45 gms gold, one mobile phone handset and two silver anklets from him.