COLOMBO, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka Police have launched special operations across the Western Province, including commercial hub Colombo City, to address a rise in motorcycle and three-wheeler thefts, the police spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Police media spokesperson F.U. Wootler said there has been an increase in incidents of vehicles being stolen from public parking areas and roadsides. Thirteen cases, including 10 motorcycles and three three-wheelers, were reported on Nov. 8 and 9 alone, he said.
The police have assigned dedicated investigation teams to track stolen vehicles and identify organized groups suspected of carrying out the thefts. Police are also investigating potential links between the thefts and illegal spare parts trading networks operating in the region, he said.
The spokesperson advised the public to park vehicles in secure locations, install anti-theft devices, and promptly report suspicious behavior or unattended vehicles to nearby police stations. ■
