Shillong, Jan 18: Cases of two-wheeler theft continue to remain high in Meghalaya, with West Jaintia Hills police reporting 41 cases since January 1.
Reassuringly, 37 vehicles have been recovered and handed back to their rightful owners since the start of the year and 19 suspects have been arrested.
In one of the most recent incidents, on the intervening night of January 16-17, during a routine naka (checkpoint) at Lad Demthring, two scooters and one motorbike refused to stop despite repeated signals. The police gave chase and later found the vehicles abandoned on the roadside, with the riders having fled into the nearby forest. A coordinated search operation later discovered one suspect, Meshanki Langstang, who has a record of bike thefts. He was brought to Jowai Police Station for further proceedings.
Police said that offenders tend to target unattended and inadequately secured two-wheelers. They advised the public to therefore park their two-wheelers only in authorised, secure and well-lit areas, use steering locks and additional security devices, such as GPS systems, avoid parking in isolated locations, especially at night and to immediately report any theft or suspicious activity to the nearest police station or by dialing 112.
West Jaintia Hills police assured all citizens that all necessary preventive, legal and operational measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of life and property. Persons found involved in such criminal activities will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. Any information related to two-wheeler theft or suspicious movement may be shared with the police for prompt and necessary action.
