KAMPALA, Uganda — Police in Kampala have arrested five individuals linked to a series of motor vehicle number plate thefts in the Ndejje, Mutundwe, and Masaja areas.
The suspects are believed to be part of a criminal network targeting motorists by stealing number plates and then demanding money for their return.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Rachael Kawala, said preliminary investigations suggest the group ran a carefully planned extortion scheme.
“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 explained.
Following the arrests, police carried out searches in various 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.
Authorities have warned motorists to remain vigilant as cases of number plate theft continue to rise in Kampala suburbs. Investigations into the racket are ongoing.
