Police in Kampala have arrested five suspects linked to a string of motor vehicle number plate thefts in the areas of Ndejje, Mutundwe, and Masaja.
The suspects are believed to be part of a racket that has been targeting motorists by stealing number plates and later demanding money for their return.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Rachael Kawala, said preliminary investigations point to an extortion scheme carefully executed by the group.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects allegedly steal number plates, leave behind their phone contacts, and then demand money from the vehicle owners in exchange for their return,” Kawala stated.
Following the arrests, police conducted search operations in different locations and recovered more than 20 stolen number plates.
Some of the recovered plates include UAX 009/C, UAZ 753/W, UA 613BQ, UAY 398/Z, and UBH 385/H.
The arrests come amid rising cases of number plate theft in Kampala suburbs, with authorities warning motorists to stay alert as investigations continue.
