Local authorities and security forces hunted for motorcycle snatchers in Myanmar’s town of Myawady bordering Thailand on October 16 and 17 and managed to arrest four snatchers along with over 10 motorbikes.

Following frequent motorcycle snatches in the town, the Ward No.5 administrative body led by Administrator Sai Min Thu and security forces launched a manhunt and made arrests. Most cases happened on Circular Road around Friendship Bridge No.2 and in the street in front of Deikhtan Aung Pagoda in the downtown area.

The motorcycles were returned to their owners while the ownerless ones and four snatchers were handed over to Myawady Police Station, said the administrator. 

A man whose motorbike was snatched on Circular Road said: “The incident happened near the plum trees on the road. I stopped my motorcycle by the roadside to have a pee. Suddenly, two appeared before me before I didn’t take notice of them. They threatened me at knifepoint and robbed me of my bike and mobile phone. They then drove away. I asked for help from two other men on a motorbike. They helped me find them but the snatchers disappeared after entering the archway of a monastery.”

As drug gambling cases rise, Myawady also sees increasing break-ins and motorcycle thefts and snatches, according to local sources.