The Anambra State Police Command has raised an alert over a new trick of stealing vehicles from motor dealers under the false pretence of buying the vehicles, devised by a crime syndicate in the state.
A statement released on Wednesday by the Command said the criminals will approach car stands under the pretext of testing the vehicles and as soon as the ignition key is released to them by unsuspecting owners, they will zoom off and escape with the car.
The statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer said a case under reference happened on Monday at about 12:30 pm.
“A Car dealer based at Agu Awka reported at B’ Division Awka that a man whose identity is not yet known came to his car stand to test an unregistered Ash coloured Toyota Corolla Car, model 2006 valued Two Million Naira (#2,000,000).
“When he was handed over the ignition key, the suspect zoomed off on top speed with the vehicle and all original document inside the vehicle’s compartment,” he said.
The PPRO said efforts are being intensified to recover the stolen car and get the culprit arrested.
The Command urged members of the public particularly car dealers to be wary of such syndicate and this new pattern of crime in order not to fall victims.
