The Kampala Metropolitan South Police Division in Katwe has dismantled a number plate theft racket, arresting five suspected ringleaders in Makindye and recovering several stolen plates.
The suspects are believed to be part of a wider criminal network operating in areas including Nyanama, Katwe, Salama, Mutundwe, Kajansi, and Makindye-Mubarrack.
The group allegedly stole number plates from parking yards and, in some cases, forcibly removed them during traffic jams or public events.
They would then leave behind contact details, demanding ransom from victims in exchange for the return of the plates.
Police records indicate that the gang charged between 150,000 and 300,000 Uganda Shillings per number plate.
Authorities say such incidents are on the rise, particularly in residential areas where criminals reportedly scale fences to remove plates before extorting vehicle owners.
Rachael Kawala, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson says the suspects were arrested through intelligence-led operations, and at least 20 stolen number plates were recovered on the first day. She notes that the suspects have since been taken back to their hideouts to help police recover more exhibits as investigations continue.
By URN
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