Cop and auto-mechanic remanded for stealing

Accra, June 18, GNA - An Accra Circuit Court on Friday remanded a Police Constable and an auto-mechanic into prison custody for stealing a large quantity of assorted vehicle spare parts yet to be valued. Constable James Otoo and Bismark Asare pleaded not guilty to two charges of unlawful entry and unlawful damage to property.

The court presided over by Mr Williwise Kyeremeh remanded the accused persons into prison custody to reappear on June 25. Police Inspector Samuel B. Sarfo said on May 29, this year at about 2130 hours, Chief Superintendent of Police, Mr Ken Yeboah, the complainant was in his office when he heard an unusual noise in one of the vehicles parked behind the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters building.

He said the noise attracted his suspicion since there had been complaint of persistent theft of spare parts of impounded vehicles parked behind the building.

Inspector Sarfo said the complainant observed through the windows of his office and saw the accused persons besides the vehicle from which the noise emanated.

He said the Mr Yeboah alerted the Police Patrol men on duty at the Headquarters, who apprehended the accused persons.

He said a search on the accused persons produced a BMW wheel cap cover, two glass rollers and a booth opener devise valued at 200,000 cedis from the second accused person.

Inspector Sarfo said investigation revealed that Otoo purposely brought Asare, who is a BMW auto mechanic to assist him steal parts from impounded vehicles.

He said an inspection on the vehicles revealed the removal of two crowns, two fog light, spare tyres, car jerk, wheel caps, car tapes from an unregistered BMW saloon.

The rest were a wheel cap, two crowns and gear lever from a BMW saloon with registration number RT 1800 U.

The Police also impounded a BMW car, which the accused persons drove to the CID Headquarters to commit the offence. 18 June 04