The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) are warning people who own, or drive, Honda motor cars to be extra vigilant following a spate of wheel thefts in the George Town area.

Since the beginning of September, 13 (thirteen) theft reports have been received by police.

Senior PC Fran General, of George Town police station, says that people can protect their wheels relatively inexpensively. “One set of locking wheel nuts can protect all four wheels on your car”, she said. “You should also try to park your car in a well-lit area to deter potential thieves.”

Although the recent thefts have been from Hondas, SPC General would urge all car owners to invest in locking wheel nuts. “Although Honda is the vehicle of choice today, tomorrow the thieves may decide to target other makes and models of cars, so my advice is that it’s better to spend a few dollars now than face the huge expense of having to replace your wheels and tyres.”

In the wake of the RCIPS warning a man was arrested and is currently detained in police custody in connection with the theft of car parts.

Shortly after 4.30 am on Tuesday (30) morning, police received a report that two men were attempting to steal car parts from a garage premises in Seymour Drive, George Town.

As officers responded to the location they saw a Honda Civic drive off from the scene at speed. The officers signaled the driver of the Civic to stop but he failed to do so. The officers continued to follow the car.

The Civic then drove into School Road where it crashed into a lamppost. The driver ran off from the scene but the passenger, a 19-year-old man, was arrested on suspicious of theft.

A search of the vehicle uncovered a number of car parts including a bumper, headlights and indicator. Police enquiries have confirmed that these items had been stolen from Outpost Street earlier in the night.

Chief Inspector Frank Owens is once again urging car owners to be vigilant following the recent spate of car part thefts, and asks that anyone who sees any suspicious vehicles or activity to please contact the police.

Anyone who wants to speak to a police officer about crime prevention matters should contact their local police station.