Arrest suspected car thefts

The Police in Delta State have uncovered a factory where vehicles are disassembled and parts sold to unsuspecting members of the public in the Ughelli area of the state.

The Guardian learnt that the Police uncovered the factory on June 15, 2023 and arrested two suspected vehicle snatchers, who attempted to run when they sited police operatives from afar.

Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident, yesterday,  said their arrest followed
series of reported cases of vehicles removed from parking areas in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli and environs.

He said the police acted on intelligence and arrested the two suspects, Phillip Ekugbe, ‘m’, and Onome Erikefe, ‘m’, both of Ekpan community in Effurun.

Edafe explained that the suspects, who specialise in snatching vehicles from Warri and other places, led the police team to Ughelli where they disassembled and sold vehicles in parts.

He said 74 vehicle tyres, 16 vehicle engines, eight gearboxes,15 motor batteries, two motorcycle engines and seven suspected stolen vehicles were recovered from suspects.

The vehicles include: one Toyota Corolla with reg. no. AJ 638 EFR, Toyota Carina with registration number. WW 748 SL, Toyota Corolla marked:  DU 60 LSR, Toyota Corolla with registration number WWR 799 AE, Toyota Corolla marked KSF 758 DC and one unregistered Nissan car.

He said the suspects are in custody, while investigation is ongoing.