Rwanda National Police (RNP) has reassured the public of their safety against theft amid increased operations to arrest people suspected to be engaged in these criminal activities.
Cases of theft, sometimes violent, including house break-ins, pick-pocketing, snatching people’s belongings and ambushing people during wee hours, have been reported in different parts of the country.
The RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that operations against theft have been strengthened, and that some of those connected to these criminal activities have been arrested.
He called for collaboration and swift information sharing on individuals and rings suspected to be connected to these criminalities.
“We reassure the public that the issue of theft is being addressed and the Police has increased its operations against it as well as all acts of lawlessness. It is the duty of the RNP to ensure the safety of people and their property,” CP Kabera said.
He, however, called upon the public to always report lawlessness in real time at the nearest Police station or on the RNP communication and social media platforms, to facilitate timely response.
Some cases of theft, added, are reported on social media platforms after days; and appealed for timely and detailed information sharing.
This, he said, helps the Police to respond immediately to arrest the suspected criminals and to recover what is stolen.
CP Kabera advised those involved in lawlessness to refrain and rather engage in legal businesses instead of languishing in prison for something avoidable.
Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that; any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Frw2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
In article 167, the penalty for theft doubles if the offender committed the crime through burglary, climbing or possession of keys other than the owner; the theft is carried out during the night or the theft is carried out by more than one (1) person.
Article 168 provides an imprisonment of between five and seven years and a fine of between Frw3 million and Frw5 million for any person convicted violent theft. (End)