LILONGWE—Thieves in Lilongwe are targeting Toyota vehicles forcing owners to spend sleepless nights and money.

Vehicles targeted for their spare parts include Toyota Corolla, Sprinter, Corona, Carina, Caldina, Carib, Starlet and Telcel.

Victims say the thieves have come up with a way of disarming anti-theft systems which prevents the alarm from going off once the car is opened the wrong way.

Once the car is disarmed, they open the vehicles using various objects. Cars that have been hit are missing distributors, radiators, fans, batteries, alternators, radios, computer boxes and head and tail lights.

To secure their vehicles, some owners are using chains and padlocks. Some park their cars in secure locations to prevent theft.

A Mr Kampulusha of Area 23 whose vehicle was vandalised says he’s spent over K150, 000.00 to put the vehicle back on the road.

He believes parts are being stolen and sold to taxi operators in the city. There has been no independent verification of his claim.

This type of crime comes at a time Malawians are complaining about a breakdown of security which has turned into a political football. Both the government and the opposition are blaming each other for the rise in crime in the country.
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