Police have warned against destruction of public property like electricity poles, water pipes and meters, and called on the general public to takecommunity policing measures to prevent vandals and thieves.

The caution follows Tuesday’s arrest of a taxi-moto operator in Nyagatare District, with five stolen water metres that were serving a Chinese company in the area.

Theogene Gakunzi, 27, was arrested by a community night patrol in Tabagwe Sector and handed over to police.

He is held at Nyagatare Police Station as investigations continue.

Also seized from the suspect were tools which he supposedly used to vandalise and steal the property.

"These public utility properties provide communities with valuable services; however, some individuals overlook the importance of such infrastructure and destroy them for their own selfish needs, which everyone should stand up against,” Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said.

He noted that whereas public property belongs to all Rwandans, some people in society do not realise their value and instead misuse or vandalise them.

He commended the work of community night patrols in maintaining peace and security.

"Community night patrols have been instrumental in helping Police to ensure maximum safety for lives and property. We need to continue this fruitful partnership, make it stronger through Community Policing, and fight against crime,” he said.

"We will continue with awareness programmes in order to make the people aware of their role in protecting public property and preventing criminality and illegal activities.

The public should continue to cooperate with police to arrest all wrongdoers.”

He reminded the public to alert Police through emergency toll free numbers 112 for emergency, 3512 for GBV, 997 (corruption), 3511 (abuse by Police officer), and report any suspicious activity or individual considered a threat to their safety.

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