Maldives Police Service (MPS) has revealed that the net worth of motorcycles stolen within the first half of the year reach over MVR 21 million.

As such, the motorcycles stolen within the first six months of the year have a worth of about MVR 21,796,400.

According to statistics, police received reports of 401 stolen motorcycles within the first six months of 2019 out of which 264 were recovered.

A survey conducted by the police Crime Prevention and Public Affairs Department in order to curb the number of stolen vehicle reports and analyze awareness on such issues, showed that 38 percent of the motorcycle owners have taken them on an installment plan.

Further, the survey shows that 90 percent of the motorcycles do not have alarm systems planted on them.

Police went on to reveal that 35 percent of owners do not pay heed to parking regulations or whether parking zones are safe.

The survey also showed how owners have been reckless to the overall maintenance of their motorcycles, revealed police.

MPS went on to urge vehicle owners to be wary of several points when parking their vehicles such as making sure they are not parked in isolated areas, to give special attention to shutter locking and where their keys are kept.

The public has also been urged to ensure they have full coverage insurance as well as parking in areas where there are CCTV cameras planted so that in any event their vehicles are stolen, investigations by authorities will be made easier.

Stressing that the people have a responsibility on their own to ensure such incidents aren’t commonplace, police urged the public to report to relevant authorities if they witness an individual attempting a crime or is suspected of committing an offense.