Rwanda National Police (RNP) said eight individuals are in custody over their alleged involvement in stealing motorcycles and forging their registration number plates.

The suspects, who were parade to the media on Saturday, January 18, were arrested in separate operations conducted in different parts of the country.

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Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police Boniface Rutikanga said that the eight suspects were found with motorcycles, which are among 136 that were impounded for having number plates not corresponding with their original chassis numbers.

"We have impounded motorcycles, particularly those with changed or falsified number plates. Some motorcycles had plates from different motorcycles, while others had been stolen and given forged plates,” Rutikanga said.

"So far, 136 motorcycles have been recovered with changed plates, including 16 motorcycles that had been stolen.”

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He said that operations are still ongoing to arrest more members of individuals involved in these criminal acts.

"We are also targeting individuals engaged in the same activities to conceal stolen motorcycles, in most cases to violate road traffic rules and to evade related fines.

These are the people, who often use vehicles with concealed, altered or forged plates to commit crimes like robbery and transportation of stolen goods," said Rutikanga.

He said people whose motorcycles or number plates were stolen can visit the Traffic Police Department to check if they are among those recovered.

Venant Hatangimana, who got his motorcycle back after nearly 12 months, expressed gratitude to the police for recovering it.

"My motorcycle was stolen while my eldest son was riding it. Thieves took it along with its documents and ID card. And they changed its number plate,” Hatangimana said.

"I thank the police for contacting me using the chassis number. When your motorcycle is stolen and you report to the police immediately, chances are high that the police will recover it," Hatangimana said.

The law governing offences and penalties determines that theft carries a sentence of one to two years of imprisonment and a fine of Rwf1 million to Rwf2 million and community service for six months or one of the penalties.

Penalties double for theft involving breaking and entering, nighttime theft, or theft by multiple individuals.

Theft with violence or threats attracts a sentence of five to seven years in imprison and a fine of between Frw3 million and Frw5 million.

Forgery or falsification of documents, including number plates is punishable with five to seven years of imprisonment and a fine of Rwf3 million to Rwf5 million.