The General Directorate of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division has issued the following statement: "As part of the daily follow-up conducted by the Internal Security Forces to combat car thefts from different Lebanese areas, information has been gathered by the Information Branch regarding an increase in the activity of a gang whose members are executing car thefts from various regions in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, and then transporting them to the northern region and subsequently to Syrian territory.
Immediately, orders were given for patrols of the branch to work on identifying and apprehending the gang members. As a result of the investigative efforts undertaken by the specialized units in the Information Branch, the identities of the gang members were determined, among them: S.L. (born in 1999, Lebanese) and Y.Q. (born in 2000, Syrian).
On 15/11/2023, following careful surveillance, one of the branch's patrols arrested the two in a precise ambush in the Al-Qubbeh area. Upon searching them, a military firearm and a quantity of narcotics were seized. During the investigation, the first individual admitted to his involvement in collaboration with others in carrying out numerous car theft operations of "Hyundai" and "Kia" models from areas such as Al-Ramla Al-Baydah, Hamra, downtown Beirut, and Dhour El Shweir, among others. He stated that the stolen vehicles were transported to the Mishmish and Barqayil areas, where he would hand them over to other individuals for transportation to Syrian territory. The second individual also confessed to his involvement, stating that he accompanied the first during the execution of his operations.
Legal action has been taken against them, and they have been referred with the seized items to the competent authority based on judicial orders. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
It is noted that the main reason for the thefts of modern vehicles (especially those types of Kia and Hyundai) is because they are not equipped by the manufacturer with an IMMOBILIZER device, which prevents the car engine from starting without its key, making their condition similar to that of older vehicles.
This General Directorate warns car owners to continuously take precautions to reduce the likelihood of their vehicles being stolen. They can take some protective measures, the most important of which include: professionally installing devices that are difficult for thieves to access, such as an IMMOBILIZER, a GPS device, a MINI GPS, a secret key to prevent starting the vehicle, or using a steering wheel lock. It is preferable to park vehicles in closed areas or in well-lit locations equipped with surveillance cameras if possible."
