Police warn people against theft of property during traffic jam

The thieves target motorists or passengers held up in a traffic jam, who have not closed their windows.

Police have warned motorists and passengers in the city centre to be wary of thieves who snatch bags and mobile phones from people when vehicles slow down in traffic jams.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Ibin Ssenkumbi said they have received numerous complaints from motorists, adding that they have deployed more officers in areas that are affected by traffic jams.

“Unfortunately, most victims contact police hours after the crime has been committed. So it becomes time consuming to trace the suspects and recover the property,” Mr Ssenkumbi said yesterday.

The thieves operate on Entebbe Road between Clock Tower and Kibuye Roundabout, on Bombo Road at Wandegeya, and in Ntinda Trading Centre in the morning and late evening.

Other areas where the thieves operate are: Masaka Highway at Ndeeba, Nateete near the junction, and Kalerwe near the Northern Bypass.
Mr Ssenkumbi said the criminals are difficult to detect because they are always on the move and operate in a very big area.

“The most preventive measure is passengers and motorists closing the windows while communicating on mobile phones. But the challenge is that many cars aren’t air conditioned so the occupants should hold tight their bags below the knees while in traffic jam,” he said.

abagala@ug.nationmdia.com