Busted carjackers stole over 100 vehicles
Police officers are still trying to assess the scope of the recently dismantled carjacking ring of which the operations stretched from East Coast Demerara to Linden. Investigators believe that the gang included expolicemen, several young taxi drivers, individuals with access to firearm, mechanics and bodywork specialists, women who acquired duplicate vehicle keys, and individuals who assisted in providing forged documents. From the haul of vehicles and parts they have recovered so far, police believe that the gang stole hundreds of vehicles over the years. Investigators have also recovered stolen motorcycles and at least one Bobcat. According to sources, most of the vehicles were stolen in Georgetown and stashed in areas along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway with rough terrain and are difficult to access. Police say that one of the key players in the operation is a former policeman, who allegedly rented out the stolen cars to young taxi drivers. The former policeman is reportedly before the court on an armed robbery charge. One of his main accomplices is said to be a Lodge Housing Scheme resident whose home police raided on Wednesday night. There, police seized a black Mazda Axela, licence number PTT 2794, and 12 certificates of registration. They also detained a 52-year-old woman. Police have arrested at least 16 suspects so far, among them several taxi drivers and three women. The stolen vehicles were stashed in areas such as Kuru Kururu, Yarrowkabra and Monument Hill on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. There some were stripped, registration numbers removed, refitted with parts from other vehicles, repainted, and equipped with false number plates. Sources identified a truck owner known as ‘Crime Chief’, who helped to dismantle and transport the vehicles and spares. At least one of the ringleaders, said to be the detained ex-cop, allegedly gave young men in these communities these vehicles to operate, while demanding they bring in $24,000 a week. “The drivers would work in those areas, out of sight of the police,” a source said. According to sources, some of the female accomplices assisted in the stealing of rental cars.
(Kaieteur News)