Maldives Police Service (MPS) has begun a special operation in capital city Malé to curb the upsurge in cases of theft of recent.

MPS revealed that officers began the operation on Sunday and that it aims to curb the increase in cases of robbery and theft that have been reported more frequently in the past two weeks.

Highlighting that they hope to reduce the amount of such crimes for the upcoming new year, MPS revealed that officers will be active on the streets of the capital to inspect vehicles as well as individuals to question them.

Police records have shown that cases of theft and robbery are expected to rise during this time each year as it is in time for school holidays when individuals will travel out of the capital city, leaving their homes unattended.

MPS has conducted similar special operations on previous occasions as well.