The Accra Regional Police Command yesterday impounded 1,140 motorbikes in the Greater Accra Region in a special exercise.
The affected motorbikes include those used by �Okada� riders and even those with recognised courier companies.
During the exercise, all motorbikes, including those that have valid documentation from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), were impounded.
The Accra Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, however, stated that the motorbikes would be screened for valid documentation and armed robbery history, after which those found to be in the clear would be released to their owners.
Meanwhile, the police, he indicated, would ensure that owners of motorbikes that had been used for robbery or were not registered would be prosecuted.
Division statistics
The Kaneshie Divisional Police impounded 185 motorbikes at Kaneshie, Abossey Okai, Industrial Area and Mallam Junction.
The Korle-Bu and Mamprobi District operated as a zone and arrested 34 motorbikes, while the Dansoman Police also arrested 70 motorbikes.
The division at James Town arrested 71 motorbikes on the Graphic Road, at Agbogbloshie and the Ministries.
At the Nima Division, 92 motorbikes were arrested at Nima, 73 at Legon, 30 at Kotobabi and 102 at the Airport.
The La District arrested 49, Nungua 48, Teshie 63, Cantonments 39, Osu 53, and Sakumono under the Kpeshie Divisional Command, 85.
Rationale for exercise
�This exercise has become necessary because of the series of crimes committed by men riding on motorbikes. Many Ghanaians have suffered at the hands of some of these riders,� Mr Yohuno stated.
According to him, there had been occasions when people emerging from banks had been trailed to their destinations or their money snatched from them mid-way into their journey.
Heavy vehicular congestion, according to Mr Yohuno, made the immediate arrest of motorbike robbers difficult, as they were able to meander their way through the vehicles.
He said it was also important to make people feel safe and secure before and after the Easter celebrations, which were some days away.
Duration of exercise
�This is a special exercise and that is why we arrested all motorbikes,� Mr Yohuno said, and explained that in subsequent ones, the police would carry out spot checks.
<<Print>>