Bossaso police arrest five people for vandalism and theft

Security agencies in Qardo of Northern Somalia have arrested several suspects for vandalising and stealing solar street lights installed by Government.

Abdi Ali Muse, Bosaso olice commissioner disclosed on Monday that five suspects have been put behind the bars and soon will be taken to court.

The commissioner further reiterated the government’s commitment to prosecute anyone found vandalizing or stealing public properties.

“Security operatives have arrested five suspects for vandalizing and stealing of Solar Street Lights. Scrap Iron Scavengers fixed by the government. Others in the net are buyers of the stolen properties,” said Muse.

He added, “After careful combing of the crime scene, Solar Batteries and their covers and one iron saw were recovered inside stores in the town.”

These arrests come after a security light in the area was vandalised by unknown people.

He said they received reports from the area elders stating the lights had been vandalised for the second time this year.

He added that the act was itself a serious crime as it is illegal to destroy public property.

“There have been significant gains in the fight against power theft and vandalism. This is attributed to enhanced operation carried out by the police. We will endeavour to maintain the cordial relationship with the members of the public to help maintain a downward trend in this aspect,” pledged Mohamud.

Muse said it was the duty of all residents to maintain their property.

He added that residents should also be the government’s eye and ensure government property is not damaged by other people.

“All residents should protect government property and report any cases of vandalism to the police for action to be taken against the culprits,” he said.

The lights are of great importance and have helped in curbing insecurity in different areas of the region.