The Kampala metropolitan deputy Police PRO ASP Luke Owoyesigyire has revealed that the force has in custody nine suspected car thieves who steal car parts during traffic jam in the city.
According to Owoyesigyire the arrests followed an intelligence led joint operation on Friday targeting the areas of Shell Nakawa, Punjab, Rufura, Wampewo, and the Mukwano roundabout stretch.
“The operation followed several complaints from the public, both on social media and at police stations, about criminals vandalizing and stealing from motor vehicles, especially during traffic jams at peak hours. The criminals mainly target vehicles such as Harriers and Mercedes Benz, stealing parts like side mirrors and front vents” he said.
Owoyesigyire noted that the operation, commanded by officers from CPS Kampala and Jinja Road Police Division, successfully led to the arrest of nine suspects believed to be hardcore criminals.
The arrested suspects include: Makana Dan, Kajubi Stephen, Owundo Stephen, Asiimwe Ibra, Kageni Isaac, Baba, Izo Bindusa, Dan and Ibra who are currently detained at CPS Kampala for screening, fingerprinting, and further investigations, as most related cases are reported there.
“The suspects confessed to committing several acts of vandalism and theft, and are cooperating with police in tracing other wanted accomplices still at large, namely Musiramu, Juice (Bugolobi), and others” he said.
Owoyesigyire noted that the operation has significantly disrupted the criminal networks behind “Jam Theft” in the city.
