Police Grabs Three Over Robbery

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested three men engaged in series of “pick and rob” in the Metropolis.

The suspects, Akwesi Frimpong alias Alhassan, 33, an ex-convict, convicted on a similar crime, together with Isaac Boateng alias Okey, 25, a taxi driver and Frank Osei alias Obese, 25, a trader, are currently in police custody.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Nathan Kofi Boakye, the Regional Police Commander, told the press in a briefing that their modus operandi was to pose as taxi drivers and passengers, pick up unsuspecting passengers, rob them of their valuables and leave them in the middle of nowhere.

At times, these suspects blindfold their victims and dump them at obscured places.

He added that the trio had succeeded in 20 robberies in the Metropolis within the last eight months.

DCOP Kofi Boakye said a recent operation occurred on November 28, 2015, at about 0900hours, when the Suntreso Police Patrol Team during their usual patrol received information that the suspects had picked a passenger and were heading towards Ahodwo roundabout.

The team monitored the said vehicle, and the accelerated speed of the suspects raise suspicions causing the police to give them a hot chase.

They later abandoned the vehicle and took to their heels, leaving the passenger behind.

DCOP Kofi Boakye said the police were able to arrest them and a search revealed a Samsung mobile phone and an amount of GH¢500.00 hidden in Frimpong’s pocket.

It was later revealed that the phone was taken from the passenger without his knowledge.

The Regional Commander cautioned the public to be vigilant and board vehicles at authorized stations.

The “Operation Father Christmas”, he said was ongoing to curb crime during the festive season.

Knock outs, he said were illegal and the police would arrest those found trading them.