Police: Car thefts on the rise

This was disclosed by Sgt Christopher Swamber of the Stolen Vehicle Unit on Wednesday during the weekly media briefing at Police Headquarters in Portof- Spain.

He said Northern Division recorded the highest figure of stolen vehicles in the country, with 32 percent or 111 vehicle being taken.

Southern and Central Division recorded the second and third highest amount at 81 and 48, respectively. “Of the 289 vehicles reported stolen, 138 were Nissan vehicles including the Tiida, B12, B13, B14, AD Wagon and Almera types.” He said the other types of vehicles targeted are the Mitsubishi Lancers with 16 reported thefts, the Mazda 323 with ten cases, and the H100, of which six were stolen. Sgt Swamber said although the Tiida is still the vehicle of choice for thieves, there has been a reduction, from 42 in 2016 to 29 so far this year, of this vehicle being stolen.

However, he said there has been an increase in the theft of Nissan B12, with 12 taken in 2016 compared to 16 so far this year. “The demand for parts from the B12, 13 and 14 have been the main reason attributed to targetting of these vehicles,” Swamber said.

He said robbery of Toyota Hilux’s increased from seven in 2016 to eight in 2017, while the Almera from four in 2016 to six in 2017, and the B15 from one in 2016 to three in 2017.

Swamber indicated there has been a reduction in theft of the Nissan Tiida of 71 per cent, from 14 in 2016 to four in 2017.

“The main areas of choice for larceny are large car parks such as in shopping malls and at hospitals.” Swamber reminded motorists that precautionary measures should be adopted.