Accra, July 13, GNA - The Madina District Police Command, has embarked on a series of community engagements, as a proactive measure to promote effective policing and help reduce crime in the buzzing commercial area of the Greater Accra Region.

Chief Superintendent David Eklu, District Commander at the weekend met with a cross section of mobile phone dealers operating around Madina Zongo and Ritz junction as part of the measure. He noted that mobile phones are identified as choice targets during armed robberies, hence, the need to engage the dealers in discussions to seek joint solutions to the menace. C/Supt Eklu said some of the dealers had become receivers of stolen mobile phones and reminded them that buying or receiving stolen items is a serious offence.

He stressed: "Receivers are likely to face the same punishment prescribed for robbery; as stated in Section 146 of the Criminal Offences Act of Ghana." The District Commander cautioned against the swapping of old phones for new ones, which he said had become a common phenomenon in the area and advised the dealers to demand those involve in the act to present a valid identification in order to curb the rampant theft of mobile phones. C/Supt Eklu asked the dealers to add value to their businesses and desist from making quick-money, since the law would deal with any body found to be condoning or conniving crime. "Most of you are privy to the activities of criminals in society but you have decided to keep the information to yourselves, which is not good enough," he said. Deputy Superintendent of Police Ebenezer Boryor, Madina District Crime Officer, urged the mobile phone dealers to be weary of people who transact business with them during odd hours with mobile phones and Laptops concealed in bags. He also advised them not to tamper with items at their work places in case of robbery or break-ins in order not to distort evidence.