Sri Lankan police have reported an increase in vehicle and motorcycle thefts linked to careless parking practices, urging the public to take preventive measures including informing security personnel and avoiding isolated locations.
Police authorities have documented a concerning trend of vehicle thefts stemming from the negligent behavior of motorists and riders. According to Police Media Spokesman Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler, criminals are exploiting lapses in vehicle security to steal motorcycles, three-wheelers, and cars, often within moments of an opportunity presenting itself.
The thefts involve not only the vehicles themselves but also valuable items stored inside them. Police have identified specific patterns of negligence that enable these crimes. Among the most common is leaving engines running while attending to other tasks, or leaving keys in ignition switches—practices observed particularly among three-wheeler and motorcycle operators. Additionally, vehicles parked outside residential properties with unlocked gates have become targets for opportunistic theft.
To mitigate these incidents, police have issued guidance for motorists. Those parking in crowded areas should alert nearby security personnel, while shoppers at shopping centers are advised to notify mall staff of their vehicles' locations. Police also recommend heightened caution when parking at night or in dark, isolated areas where criminal activity is more likely to occur undetected.
Members of the public whose vehicles are stolen are urged to report the incident immediately to the Police Emergency Hotline (119 or 118), their nearest police station, or any available police officer. The police statement underscores that many thefts could be prevented through basic safety precautions and attentiveness.
