Authorities in Chad have sounded the alarm over a growing wave of motorcycle taxi thefts driven by a newly identified criminal scheme targeting unsuspecting drivers.
The Director General of the National Police, Third Grade Police Inspector General Touqoud Digo Maïdé, issued a public alert on Saturday, urging motorcycle taxi operators to exercise extreme caution in the face of this evolving threat.
The announcement comes after a series of thefts were reported across multiple districts, all following a disturbingly similar pattern.
According to police, the criminals pose as customers and approach drivers under the pretext of needing transportation to purchase spare parts for a broken-down vehicle parked nearby. The sight of the alleged disabled car serves as a convincing guarantee for the driver, who assumes the transaction is legitimate.
However, once the thieves are in possession of the motorcycle, they vanish—leaving no trace behind and rendering pursuit futile.
“This modus operandi involves criminals renting a motorcycle taxi under the pretext of purchasing a spare part for a broken-down vehicle parked nearby.
The presence of the vehicle in question serves as an apparent guarantee to the motorcycle taxi driver. However, once the motorcycle is in their possession, the thieves disappear without a trace,” explained Touqoud Digo Maïdé.
He called on all motorcycle taxi drivers to remain alert and to report any suspicious behavior to the nearest police station immediately.
“The Director General of the National Police urges every driver to be extremely vigilant and to collaborate closely with the internal security forces,” the statement emphasized.
Motorcycle taxis are a vital means of transport and income for thousands across Chad, particularly in urban areas.
As such, this recent trend poses a serious threat not only to individual livelihoods but also to public safety and trust.
Law enforcement has pledged to increase surveillance in hotspots and work with driver unions to raise awareness and provide safety guidelines.
Meanwhile, the public is encouraged to share information that could assist in identifying those behind the thefts.
The National Police’s call to action aims to stem the rise of this deceptive crime before it spreads further.
About The Author
