Police in Bweyogerere is holding a 16-year-old boy over suspected stolen motor vehicle number plates.
The suspect, names with held, was arrested at the weekend following numerous complaints registered which prompted Police to devise measures of bringing to book the suspect.
He confessed into sneaking into people’s gates before removing the number plate.
After removing the number plates, Kyokonye leaves behind his contact.
It is from his contact that the suspect when phoned asks for between Shs50, 000 and 300, 000.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesman Luke Owesigyire has confirmed the arrest, advising vehicle owners to install safety measures in their cars.
“Vehicle owners should install security devices in their vehicles to curb the vice and protect their vehicles from such people,” Owesigyire said.
Theft of motor vehicle plates is a common crime in the country. The culprits use the same procedure of stealing and leaving behind their contacts. They then demand ransom from vehicle owners and once their demands are met, they direct the vehicle owner to a place where they can get back their plates.
“I woke up one morning only to find my plates stolen. The thieves had left their contacts and upon contacting them, they asked for money which I sent and they directed me to where my vehicle plates were,” said Brenda Nafuna, a resident of Jinja.
