Police arrest serial thief with 31 car plates stolen in one month

Kampala, (UG):- The Police in Kampala Metropolitan are holding in custody one Mumbere Brian, a serial suspect alleged to be the mastermind behind a series of motor vehicle number plate thefts in Kajjansi and neighbouring areas.

Mumbere, alias Natamba was arrested on 1st January 2025, in an intelligence-led operation in which police recovered 31 stolen number plates, describing it as a major breakthrough in combating the crime.

“Following the suspect’s arrest, an intelligence-led operation was carried out on January 1, 2025, in areas such as Zana, Bunamwaya, and Ngobe. This resulted in the recovery of 16 number plates that had been hidden by the suspect,” Mr Patrick Onyango, the KMP Spokesperson said during a press briefing on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala.

The plates, according to Onyango, were likely stashed away as part of a scheme to extort money from victims. Upon further interrogation, the suspect revealed additional hiding spots, prompting a joint operation by officers from Kajjansi and Nateete divisions on January 4, 2025.

“Further interrogation revealed that the suspect had more number plates hidden in various areas within and outside Kajjansi Division. Consequently, a joint operation was conducted on January 4, 2025, by officers from Kajjansi and Nateete Division, leading to the recovery of an additional 15 number plates hidden in areas such as Kisigula, Katale, Bunamwaya, and Ngobe,” Onyango said.

In total, the suspect is believed to have stolen over 30 number plates within a single month. “The recovery of these plates is a significant step in addressing the issue of number plate theft, which can have serious consequences, including identity theft and misuse,” the KMP publicist reiterated.

Onyango highlighted the dangers associated with number plate theft, including the risk of identity theft and criminal misuse and urged car owners to stay vigilant as authorities work around the clock to address the crimes.

“We urge vehicle owners to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station,” he advised, emphasizing; “The Kampala Metropolitan Police have intensified patrols and intelligence operations to crack down on organized theft rings targeting vehicle accessories.”

Related Incidents

The arrest comes in the wake of similar cases reported across Uganda. In November 2024, police in Mukono apprehended a group involved in stealing vehicle parts, including number plates, from parking lots.

A similar incident occurred in Masaka in September 2024, where suspects were found with over 40 stolen plates.

Police say such crimes are often linked to extortion schemes, where victims are coerced into paying to recover their property but have reiterated their commitment to dismantling these networks and ensuring justice for the affected victims.

“Let this serve as a warning to others involved in such illegal activities. The police will continue to pursue and apprehend those engaged in criminal enterprises.”