Police in Anambra are alerting residents to the emergence of cases of motorcycle-related robberies

The Anambra State Police Command has alerted residents of an emerging pattern of robberies and other criminal activities involving the use of motorcycles across the state.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, following recent accidents involving motorcyclists.

Police raise alarm over motorcycle-related crimes

The Command said the alert followed the arrest of a motorcyclist who was found with a gun during a stop and search operation in Nnewi.

Police also revealed that another incident was under investigation in Aguleri, where a motorcyclist was allegedly assaulted and stripped of his motorbike and other belongings.

The accident, according to the Command, resulted in the death of the victim.

Police said preliminary observations suggest that criminal elements may be exploiting motorcycles to facilitate their travel and carry out robberies and other crimes against unsuspecting members of the public and other motorcyclists.

The police require the correct registration of motorcycles

The Command also expressed concern about the failure of some motorcycle owners to properly register their motorcycles or maintain adequate ownership documents.

According to police, inadequate documentation could make it difficult to identify, track and recover motorcycles after they are stolen or used in criminal activity.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has therefore directed area commanders and divisional police officers to intensify community sensitization and engagement with motorcyclists associations, community presidents-general, vigilante groups and other stakeholders.

The commitments are expected to strengthen community-level intelligence, improve identification and documentation of motorcycles, improve information sharing, and support coordinated efforts to prevent criminals from using motorcycles to commit robberies and other crimes.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity

The Command urged motorcycle owners and drivers to ensure that their motorcycles are properly registered and relevant ownership documents are readily available.

Residents were also advised to promptly report suspicious motorcycle movements, people or activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency communication channels.

CP Ama also called on motorcycle associations, community leaders and other stakeholders to collaborate with the police by providing credible and timely information that could help identify and dismantle criminal elements operating in their communities.

The Command reiterated that security is a shared responsibility and urged Ndi Anambra to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police rather than personally confront suspected criminals.