Divisional Police Commander West Acting SSP Abdul Khan has reminded people not to be negligent following the theft of two vehicles in Rakiraki in one day. Quick action by police aided by Ministry of Agriculture staff led to the arrest of one suspect.

An 18-year-old unemployed man is in police custody charged with unlawful use of motor vehicle and will appear at Rakiraki Magistrate Court today.

The first incident, which occurred on Friday afternoon, involved a government vehicle.

With the engine of his vehicle running the driver got off and was outside trying to close a gate when the suspect, who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol, came to the vehicle and drove it away.

After a tip-off police followed the vehicle to Wairuku where the suspect, in trying to get away, ran the vehicle into an electrical post.

Before police could get there, the suspect tried to run off, but was apprehended by Ministry of Agriculture officers who were at the scene.

He was handed over to police who arrived a few minutes later.

The second incident occurred a few hours later at a rental company in Rakiraki town.

It was after 10pm when the suspect approached a staff of the rental car company who was on his way home.

After persuading the staff to rent him a vehicle the staff got off his vehicle, and with the engine running, went inside the office to get a few papers for the suspect to sign.

The suspect who was alone outside with the vehicle, drove away with the victim’s black Prado which was found half an hour later at Navunibitu, Ra.

A/SSP Khan, while applauding the efforts by the agriculture officers in apprehending the 18-year-old suspect, highlighted that people continued to be negligent in securing their properties.

People must be alert at all times because there are opportunists out there who always wait for the right moment to strike.

Police Investigation into the matter continues.

Edited by Percy Kean