Motor vandalism increases as police intensify theft operations in Albertine

Police in the Albertine South Region have reported a growing trend of vehicle vandalism over theft in the region. 

Albertine police PRO, APS Julius Allan Hakiza, told tndNews, Uganda, that it has become a growing trend where thieves have resorted to vandalising vehicles.

This, he said, is a growing trend that aims to replace motor vehicle theft in the region.

According to him, the transition followed tight operations by the police on boda boda theft which has left many notorious boda boda thieves arrested and tried in the courts of law.

Hakiza noted that in the last weeks, they registered a decrease in motor theft, but with an increase in vandalism on vehicles.

According to him, they have about forty cases registered in relation to vehicle vandalism in the region. It is also suspected that the thieves conspire with spare parts dealers.

“Residents are reporting stirring up missing side mirrors and tail lights, with some cases happening during brief stops in town. “You park shortly and the side mirror is gone, you park at home, and by morning the taillights or all mirrors are taken,” he said.

He said the shift comes after increased operations against boda boda theft with motorcycles harder to steal saying gangs are now focusing on vehicles parked in areas without security.

He disclosed that some of the most affected areas are Bujumbura and Kahoora in Hoima city.

However, the PRO said that the investigation into the matter is underway, urging the public to stay vigilant and identify these criminals in their communities and stay alert to inform the nearest police so they can be arrested.