The Police Service (Criminal Investigation Department) is alerting the public to the activities of criminals operating in traffic jams during rush hours at a number of identified spots.
According to the police, criminal syndicates patrol the shoulders of the ACP-Pokuase stretch of the Achimota-Nsawam highway; Fiesta Royale – GIMPA road and La Beach – Teshie road especially in the evenings during traffic jams to snatch valuables from cars or their occupants.
“Intelligence gathered by the CID indicates that some criminal syndicates purposely walk along the shoulders of the above stated roads/highways as though they are innocent pedestrians but when traffic jams, they forcibly open doors of vehicles, jump into the car, pounce on the occupants and take away their valuables such as mobile phones, laptops, handbags and other portable items of their victims including money and escape into the adjoining bushes,” the police statement signed by ASP Olivia Turkson, Public Relations Officer, CID Headquarters said.
CAUTION
“Although Police is doing its part of preventing such crimes and apprehending offenders, the public especially commuters who use the Accra – Nsawam highway, Fiesta Royale – GIMPA road, La Beach – Teshie road, are entreated to secure their vehicles at all times by locking up from within and rolling up their door glass when driving along such areas. This is to secure their valuables as well as their persons in order not for these miscreants to take advantage of the traffic jam to assault them and rob them of their properties. Occupants of vehicles are also advised not to display their portable valuables in their cars as those items easily attract criminals.”
The police CID also called on victims to report to the Director of Operations at the CID Headquarters, Ring Road, Accra to assist in investigations and identification of some suspects arrested for such activities on the ACP – Pokuase – Nsawam highway.
The statement also entreated the public to report any suspicion of criminal activities to the nearest Police station or any patrol team within their jurisdiction for necessary police assistance.
The public can also call the police information room on the numbers 0302773906, 0302787373, or Police Command Centre number 191 (all networks) and 18555(Vodafone and MTN).
