Accra, Dec. 13, GNA - The Police last week arrested eight persons believed to be among gangs of car snatchers and street robbers in the Accra Metropolis. They include Francis Azuma, alias Agbevey, 28; Ebenezer Commodore also known as Matu; Kwaku Boadu, both 23; and Yaw Anane. The rest are Christopher Agyei Adjetey, 19; Mawuli Seshie, 20; Victor Addy, 17; and Michael Ayivor, 21.

Briefing the press on Tuesday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr Douglas Akrofi Asiedu, Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, said the eight persons usually snatched taxicabs and used them to rob people at night of their mobile phones, handbags and other valuables at Dansoman, Achimota and Madina areas. ACP Asiedu said several others, who were still at large were "equally dangerous," adding; "any information that will lead to their arrest would (attract) handsome rewards." He mentioned those at large as Etorman; Rush; Paa Tee; Copu Mensah; Sowah; Mugu Yaro and Sheriff.

"These criminals constitute a large number and a formidable armed robbery gang responsible for most car snatching incidents in Accra. Any part of the gang can operate, and then use the car so snatched for other street robberies after which they abandon the car," ACP Aseidu said. According to ACP Aseidu last month alone the group snatched 10 cars in Dansoman and Achimota. He said reports gathered by the Police indicated that early this month, Agbevey, Etorman, Sherif and Rush travelled to Agona Swedru, snatched an Opel Astra taxicab with registration number GR 1092 W, brought it to Accra to embark on a robbery spree.

ACP Aseidu referred to an earlier publication by the Police Administration on five wanted armed robbers and said it was hunting for three more suspects who were still at large. He said Abu, alias Doggie, Bawa and Sherif were noted to patronise the Dansoman Beach in particular and were believed to be hiding at Chorkor and Bukom," he said. He thanked the public for volunteering information leading to the arrest of the two most wanted suspected robbers - Razak and Wiper - who were now in custody.