ARUA – Police Flying Squad Unit attached to West Nile Region has recovered seven suspected stolen motorcycles and 42 number plates.
They were recovered in series of operations that started on January 31, 2020 to February 5, 2020 aimed at getting rid of the common motorcycle thieves and robbers.
The 42 number plates are suspected to be for stolen motorcycles.
According to the West Nile Region Police Spokesperson SP Josephine Angucia, it all started with a call from a complainant at Dokolo police station, Dokolo District on January 31.
“The complaint was issued to office of Flying Squad Unit, Arua following his stolen motorcycle reg. number UEZ 231M which had a tracking device in planted. It has also been common that Motorcycles stolen from Central North are found in West Nile region and vice vasa,” she said in a statement.
She noted that the officers responded quickly and recovered 7 suspected stolen motorcycles in total, 7 bajaj and 1 discovery type in the same household but in separate rooms in Kasua village, Pokea parish, Pajulu Sub County, Arua district.
“14 pairs of motorcycle number plates and other dismantled spare parts were also recovered in the same house. One Eriku Ronald 25yrs old, resident of the same home wasn’t at home by the time of the operation as he was on the run,” Angucia said.
West Nile GEF 02/2020 was opened to investigate the matter.
“On February 4, teams of officers from Arua CPS, Regional Fire Department, ISO headed by Flying Squad Unit went back to the scene at Kasua village to continue with the operation where they recovered 20 more number plates of Motorcycles inside the pit,” reads an excerpt.
Anguia revealed that on February 5,2020 at around Arua Airfield area, 8 more number plates of suspected stolen MCs were recovered in a house. Some suspects were arrested to assist police with investigations as others are still being traced.
All recovered items are exhibited at Arua Police Station and those who lost their motorcycles are urged to identify their motorcycles and number plates at Arua CPS so that they can be traced.
“Operations will continue until when the prime suspects will be netted and brought to law book,” she noted.
She revealed that there have been a number of incidences of robbing motorcycles and even murdering their riders in the region.
Angucia appreciated the vigilant and security conscious citizens for getting involved in the safety of their communities by informing security organs timely on suspected wrong elements with wrong activities in their areas.
“Members of the public are advised to continue sharing information on criminals timely with police and other security organs for the effectiveness of such intelligence-led operations resulting into a crime-free and peaceful environment which provides a very good ground for other more developmental activities,” she advised.
