DUTCH QUARTER--Police found eight stolen SUVs, compact cars and minivans in a Dutch Quarter neighbourhood this weekend, prompting an investigation into who had stolen the cars and then left them there.
Crooks torched two luxury vehicles in the bushes between Zorg en Rust and Union Farm, leaving the burned remains of a 2008 Infinity Q45 SUV and a Suzuki Baleno, and six other cars. Police called for more help from the community to catch the crooks.
The Q45 and Baleno were worth US $45,000 and $6,000 respectively.
Police found three Kias – a Picanto, a minivan and a Rio – a Suzuki Vitara, a Daihatsu Charade and a Samsung 3M in the bushes Saturday evening. They lamented the apparent unwillingness of residents to report seeing the vehicles burning – or at least smoke and flames – in the area.
"It is very unlikely that when these two vehicles were set on fire no one in the area noticed that," police spokesman Inspector Ricardo Henson said in a written statement Saturday. "It is very unfortunate that no one called the police when they saw fire and smoke in the bushes."
Arson is among the most serious of violent crimes, according to authorities. Jail time is based on the extent of damage to life and property.
Police seized the cars for the investigation. While removing the cars, persons in the area threatened the police, according to Henson. He condemned any foul language and threats against officers (see related story).
Police asked the community to report anything that might lead the thief's/thieves' capture. Persons with information can report anonymously via the 9300 tip-line or call 542-2222/24.