Ajman: A resident who reported his car missing a month ago was amazed to get a call from the police saying they had found it in the sea.
Colonel Ali Saeed Al Matroushi, Director-General of Police Operations, told Gulf News the owner of the car had left it with the engine running in front of his house when a group of young men took it for a joyride.
Later, when the car ran out of petrol the men put the car in reverse and it rolled into the sea. The vehicle was recovered by Ajman Civil Defence, covered in seaweed and algae.
By checking the car’s plate number police discovered the car’s vehicle registration and insurance had expired. They also found it had been reported stolen. The case has been referred to Sharjah Police, Col Al Matroushi said.
He blamed irresponsible vehicle owners for a spate of car thefts across the emirate.
“Despite intensified efforts being carried out by Ajman Police to curb car theft, thieves continue to target cars left unlocked by negligent owners,” he said.
Col Al Matroushi said that Ajman Police is organising a campaign to warn motorists not to leave their engines running.
“In case where such crimes are committed, the car owner will be solely held responsible,” he said. He added insurance is not valid in such circumstances.
Police have increased patrols in areas where car thieves operate, such as petrol stations, mosques, near supermarkets, ATMs and pharmacies.
Col Al Matroushi said that leaving car engines running is considered a violation, for which careless motorists will be fined Dh300.
