News
Tuk tuks, motorbikes remain targets for thieves
View(s):By Senuka Jayakody
Three-wheelers and motorbikes continue to be stolen across the country, amid a shortage of spares and high prices resulting from import restrictions.
In 2021, 1,405 vehicles had been stolen, but in the first nine months of 2022, 1,406 incidents have been recorded.
Jude Ansley: Police are yet to find his lost motobike
Narcotic drug users are suspected to be robbing three-wheelers and motorcycles, or removing the parts for sale.
Just last week, a civil defence officer of Thanamalwila Police had parked his motorbike by the roadside in the town to visit a shop of a relative. But, when he returned, the bike was gone, despite being locked. His QR code for fuel had also been taken.
A few days later, he got a text message on his mobile phone noting the number of a petrol station in Embilipitiya, where the suspect had used the QR code.
On December 15, the police arrested a 22-year-old suspect, who had been living in the official quarters of the Embilipitiya Urban Development Authority. The licence plate had been removed. The suspect was produced in court on December 17.
In November, the Medagama Police arrested two suspects who were selling parts of a motorbike that had belonged to a teacher in the Ayiwela area. It had been sold to a garage in Ethimale, where it had been disassembled. Two suspects were produced at the Bibile Magistrate’s Court and granted bail.
Meanwhile, a youth arrested for stealing a three-wheeler in Monaragala had also admitted to stealing a motorbike as well.
A casual worker in Colombo, Jude Ansley, whose motorbike had been stolen back in April in Athurugiriya when he and his wife stopped at a bank ATM, said he was yet to receive any update from the police. He had left the key in the ignition and a youth had grabbed the bike and fled. Mr Ansley had bought it for Rs 150,000.
The police have not yet been able to trace it.
“The motorbike was very important to me. I used it to take the children to school, bring them back home and go to my workplace,’’ Mr. Ansley said.
The All Island Three Wheeler Drivers Union President, Lalith Dharmasekara, recalled an incident in November, where a middle-aged couple, who had arrived in a three-wheeler to pick up their daughter from the Maharagama National Youth Services Council, noted the battery had been ripped up.
He also recalled an incident in Punchi Borella, where a three-wheeler was stolen but was found later without the spare wheel and the petrol tank.
“It is useless complaining to the police. They arrest the suspect, who is (either) remanded by courts, or given bail, and the robber is back on the streets,’’ Mr. Dharmasekara said.
The All Island Three Wheeler Drivers Union Secretary, T. R. Pallie said the battery of his vehicle was stolen in October, while he was attending a wedding at a reception hall in Dematagoda.
He said the police had asked him who might be the suspect. “How am I supposed to know who stole the battery,” he asked.
He recalled an incident about another three-wheeler driver, whose vehicle had been stolen after he had parked behind a supermarket on November 28 to buy groceries.
Three wheel drivers use thick chans to secure their vehicles. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
Also, in his locality, he said the battery and the windscreen of a three-wheeler parked in front of the owner’s house had been ripped up.
“Vehicle robberies have doubled since March this year. Before, only vehicle parts were stolen. Now, vehicles are being stolen,’’ Mr. Pallie said.
A three-wheeler battery could cost Rs. 23,500, and a used one can be sold for between Rs. 3,500 and Rs. 5,000.
Police Spokesman Nihal Thalduwa told the Sunday Times about an incident in Warakapola, where the police had taken away a motorcycle, asking the owner to retrieve it at the police station.
However, when the owner arrived at the police station, the police said that they had not taken the bike. The owner then realised that a group of robbers pretending to be police had stolen the motorbike.
He also admitted an increase in vehicles being stolen and robberies of spare parts by suspected drug addicts. “Since vehicle spare parts are not imported now, prices have increased considerably, which is certainly an opportunity for drug addicts.’’
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