The police in Enugu say they have apprehended a man suspected to be a notorious car thief, who specialises in using a master key to steal vehicles.

He was arrested in the act at about 1:20pm at a shopping mall on the Enugu-Abakiliki Road in Enugu metropolis.

The Enugu State Police Public Relations Officers (PPRO), SP Ebere Amaraizu, said in a statement on Friday in Enugu that money alleged to be stolen and a master key were recovered from the suspect.

“The Enugu State Police Command, through its operatives of the Abakiliki Road Division via intelligence information at the premises of the Enugu Shoprite Mall, nabbed a notorious car theft.

“The suspect specialises in the stealing of cars and valuables in cars using a master key.

“The suspect identified as Arinze Chinonso of Afia Nine Obiagu in Enugu but a native of Ihuokpala Nkanu East Local Government Area was nabbed having allegedly forced open the door of a Murano Jeep with a master Key.

“The vehicle, with registration number ENU 792 LP, belongs to Mr Maxwell Eze of Nike Lake Abakpa.

“While the suspect was stealing money and valuables from the jeep, security operatives were alerted and they swooped on him,’’ he said.

Amaraizu said although the suspect ran away, he was chased and eventually arrested.

According to the spokesperson, the suspect has been helping police in their investigation into his nefarious activities.

He said the suspected would be charged to court at the end of investigation.