Kumasi, March 3, GNA - The police in Kumasi have arrested 88 criminals aged between 19 and 36 years suspected to be mobile phone snatchers in three separate operations.

They were screened and the number reduced to 40 and are being kept in police custody pending their identification.

Items retrieved from them included one locally made pistol, sharp cutlasses, two talisman, 12 serviceable mobile phones, eight unserviceable mobile phones, 10 video cassettes and car tapes, a quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp (wee) and other substances believed to be cocaine. Briefing the press on the operations dubbed: "Operation All Out" in Kumasi on Friday, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Frank Adu-Poku, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, said under the operation, Kumasi was divided into sectors and Divisional Commanders put in-charge of each sector.

He said the operations were centred around Akwatialine, Alabar, Children's Park and the Bolga Station at Krofofrom believed to be the key operational areas of criminals in the metropolis. ACP Adu-Poku assured the public that the operation was on-going and therefore called for co-operation and support from the public for the police to be able to maintain the peace they are enjoying now to eliminate the panic and fear which has gripped residents in the metropolis.

Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent James Sarfo Peprah, the Ashanti Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service, has expressed concern about the rate at which vehicles knock down people in the metropolis.

He said some drivers under the full glare of police personnel and guards of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) jump the red light at traffic intersections which in most cases result in the knock down of pedestrians and in some cases collision.

Chief Supt Peprah therefore advised drivers to stop this practice, warning that offenders would be dealt with drastically.