Musact: The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has warned people of the possibility of a vehicle theft or things getting stolen from a vehicle.
Through its weekly podcast, ROP blamed such cases mostly on the moment of carelessness by the driver, who leaves the engine running to keep the interiors cool while stepping out to attend to some work or to buy a cup of tea or coffee.
"Such a small mistake can cost a lot. So never leave the engine running while you are away, even just for a minute. Also, take stuff like a phone and a wallet with you at all times because everything can disappear in the blink of an eye. Always lock your doors even in familiar places," an ROP official said.
In the worst-case scenario, call the ROP immediately.
ROP said one of the most common causes of vehicle theft is drivers leaving their vehicles running even for a short time, as thieves often seize the opportunity when drivers step away briefly at ATMs, shops, or even outside their houses. In some cases, even spare keys left inside vehicles make theft even easier.
ROP's criminal investigation team has also observed that some criminals patrol neighborhoods looking for vehicles parked for long periods, especially those covered in dust. "These vehicles are often targeted, towed away, and dismantled for spare parts, and older vehicles in particular are more vulnerable due to a weaker security system and high demands for their components. "
Some vehicles are stolen for temporary use and other crimes, while others are dismantled and sold. In rare cases, stolen vehicles are smuggled outside the country.
The ROP has also uncovered scams involving rental cars where offenders have used forged documents to rent vehicles. They disable the tracking system and later steal them either to dismantle or export them using fake license plates
Rental agencies are being urged to carefully verify all documents and ensure renters have valid ones
Under the law, penalties for vehicle theft can be a prison sentence ranging from five to ten years, and the Directorate General for criminal investigations is working closely with Interpol to exchange information and track stolen vehicles. Several such attempts have been thwarted by the ROP.
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