Police recover 352 stolen animals in Luwero, nearby districts
Police have revealed the recovery of 352 stolen animals across the districts of Luwero, Nakasongola, and Nakaseke throughout November.
The recovery was part of a police operation conducted in the Savannah region.
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According to police, a total of 461 animals were reported stolen, resulting in the arrest of 54 suspects, with 40 of them facing charges in court.
Additionally, police noted several findings during the operation, including the use of numerous counterfeit veterinary documents to facilitate the transportation of animals out of the districts.
"Additionally, officers noted the use of fake license plates on vehicles used to transport stolen animals," police said.
Additionally, law enforcement has noticed that individuals involved in this illegal trade are using sedans for transportation.
They have observed that some stolen animals are butchered and transported as beef, while others are hidden in the back seats of these cars.
However, the police have pointed out that one of the difficulties their officers encounter is that victims often prefer to seek financial compensation instead of pressing for jail time against repeat offenders.
"In some cases, animal thefts go unnoticed for extended periods because farm owners live far away. Furthermore, many animals are allowed to graze freely on unfenced land, and thefts often occur at night," police noted.
Additionally, it was observed that hardened criminals and repeat offenders frequently benefit from bail and short sentences, allowing them to continue their cattle theft activities.
