The police are voicing concerns regarding the growing number of vehicle thefts, primarily attributed to owners leaving their cars unsecured and unattended, with some even leaving keys inside.
Authorities believe that stolen vehicles are often used to carry out other criminal activities, posing a considerable threat to public safety.
These concerns have arisen from recent reports of stolen vehicles in the St. John’s and Old Parham Road areas.
Recent Incidents
In one case, the owner of an orange Suzuki Ignis reported that their vehicle was stolen from St. John’s Street between 7:05 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on January 13, 2026. Investigations revealed that the car was left unattended with the keys in the ignition.
Additionally, the owner of a white Kia Sorento reported that their vehicle was stolen from Old Parham Road sometime between 11:00 p.m. on January 12 and 8:00 a.m. on January 13.
Safety Recommendations
The Police Administration is urging all vehicle owners to take responsibility for the safety of their vehicles at all times. This includes:
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Never leaving keys in the ignition
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Ensuring vehicles are locked, even for short stops
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Parking in well-lit and secure areas whenever possible
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Reporting suspicious activity to the police immediately
The police continue to depend on the cooperation and vigilance of the public to help prevent crime and foster safer communities. Members of the public with information regarding stolen vehicles or suspicious activity are encouraged to reach out to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) or their nearest police station.
Wowwww the car left unattended for almost 3 hours with the key in there. In these day and age that’s a risk
The vehicle set up by police to catch a thief is commonly called a bait car. It is also sometimes referred to as a decoy car, trap car, or hot car.
These vehicles are part of a law enforcement strategy (often a “sting operation” or “honey trap”) to proactively catch thieves in the act. They are typically:
Modified with hidden audio/video surveillance and GPS tracking technology.
Left in high-crime areas, often unlocked with the keys inside, to attract potential thieves.
Equipped with a remote “kill switch” that allows police to safely disable the engine and lock the doors once the vehicle has been stolen, preventing a dangerous high-speed chase.
This method is considered an effective tool for reducing auto theft and is not typically considered entrapment because it merely provides an opportunity for a person already inclined to commit a crime.
Hard-working people save for years just to lose a vehicle overnight. That hurts.