Duo with record for stealing motorbikes rearrested

Two men in their 30s, both with an existing record for vehicle theft, have been re-arrested from the capital for stealing motorbikes.

The two suspects, a 31-year-old and a 38-year-old, were presented before the Criminal Court for their remand hearing on Tuesday. The court ordered for both to be held in a custodial jail for 15 days.

According to court documents, the 31-year-old man is suspected of stealing a motorbike and then driving the stolen vehicle.

Meanwhile, the 38-year-old man was caught attempting to steal a motorbike. According to court documents, the man, when questioned by the police at the scene, claimed the motorbike belonged to brother called “Afeef.” But in court, he claimed the vehicle belonged to a friend called “Fayaz.”

The owner of the vehicle testified that he had parked the vehicle somewhere else. However, the court documents did not specify where.

The court documents show both men have pre-existing records for motorbike theft.

The theft of motorbikes is common in the Maldivian capital, with the stolen vehicles sometimes heavily modified, sold for parts or used in the commission of other crimes.

The police have urged the public to park their vehicles in well-lit areas and areas where there is CCTV coverage.