On September 17, 2024, Tazib Rajab, a resident of Naguru parish in Nakawa Division, discovered that the front number plate of his vehicle, registered as UAM 203Y, was missing. Upon approaching his car, Rajab found a note attached, which included a phone number. When he called the number, the individual on the other end demanded money in exchange for the return of the number plate.
Instead of complying with the ransom request, Rajab chose to report the incident to the police. His decision proved to be pivotal. Following his report, the police were able to track down and arrest Maara Gerald, a 25 year old resident of Banda B1 in Banda. During the arrest, the police searched Gerald’s residence and discovered additional number plates believed to have been unlawfully removed from various vehicles or taken from stolen cars.
The police commended Rajab for his quick action in reporting the incident. In their statement, they highlighted that many victims of similar crimes often resort to paying ransoms, which seldom yield positive results. Instead, offenders frequently change their demands and continue to request more money.
The police urged vehicle owners to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately, as this can assist in preventing further thefts and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
| Incident Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | September 17, 2024 |
| Victim | Tazib Rajab |
| Vehicle Registration Number | UAM 203Y |
| Suspect | Maara Gerald, 25 |
| Location of Suspect’s Residence | Banda B1 in Banda |
| Outcome | Arrest and recovery of stolen number plates |
