A new crime wave is hitting Adjumani district as thieves target vehicles by plucking off registration plates, leaving behind mobile phone numbers as a means to extort money from car owners. Police in the district have reported at least two cases in a span of three days. In the most recent incident on January 21, 2024, unidentified thieves removed two number plates from vehicles parked in residential homes in Rassia village, Marindi parish, Pachara sub-county, and left behind a mobile phone number for the victims to contact.
Charles Tiondi, one of the victims, shared that his vehicle’s registration number was stolen, and the thieves left an MTN phone number for him to call for the recovery of his plate. When he called the number, the culprits demanded 150,000 shillings, showcasing a level of sophistication in their operations.
Ignatius Dragudu, the North West Nile Region Police Spokesperson, explained that the criminals primarily target vehicles parked in residential areas and along roadsides. He emphasized the need for increased vigilance and community involvement to combat this new wave of crime.
Under the Traffic and Road Safety Act 1998, driving a vehicle without proper identification, defaced, or obscured number plates is considered an offense. Offenders may face fines of up to 100,000 shillings.
The police are urging the community to stay vigilant and establish neighborhood watch programs to help prevent and respond to such crimes.
