Theft of auto parts triggers security alert at Hambantota Port
View(s):A rising number of the theft of auto parts from vehicles inside the Hambantota port has triggered a security alert with security being stepped up and strict body checks of officials entering the port for custom clearance, a top official said.
Ports Authority Chairman Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrema told the Business Times that he came to know about such theft about 10 days ago says prompt action has been taken to prevent such robberies.
However President of the Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka, Indika Sampath Merenchige noted that vehicle parts have been regularly removed from cars imported into the country over a period of time by an organized gang of robbers.
Accessories like radios, engine parts, carburetor component, fluid pump in hybrid cars and other parts are among items being stolen from inside the port.
Mr. Merenchige said vehicle importers have to spend Rs.25.000 to Rs.50, 000 to replace stolen parts of a vehicle and they are forced to pass this cost to buyers.
He disclosed that they have made complaints to authorities but association members have not been able to contact the ports authority chairman because of the latter’s busy schedule.
Mr. Merenchige pointed out that importers agreed to a government’s decision to direct vehicle shipments through Hambantota Port considering it as their national responsibility to support the president’s initiative.
However vehicle importers and dealers are now in a quandary as they incur an additional cost for transportation of imported vehicles due to this system as well as the increasing incidents of theft of vehicle parts and the delay in clearing vehicles due to the slow Customs documentation process.
Dr. Bandu Wickrema said the number of security personnel inside the port has been increased and they have been ordered to check every person entering and leaving the port to prevent auto part thefts.
A CCTV camera system will also be installed at the port to enhance surveillance activities.
He disclosed that the ports authority has received information of an organized racket by some wharf clerks and assistants going from Colombo to Hambatota for clearing of imported vehicles who are conniving with a gang in the area to steal auto parts.
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