Rwanda has long been praised for its peace and security. Kigali city, unlike some of its sister cities on the continent has few cases of violent crime. Muggings are very rare and so is violent crime.

Foreigners can be seen walking at odd hours without the fear that they will be accosted by robbers.

Many people, especially tourists, are usually seen as easy prey in many countries and cities on the continent and world over.

Despite that aura of security, Kigali is not immune from "annoying” petty crimes.

You park your car in the open, turn your attention elsewhere for a while and your side mirrors are gone.

The petty thieves seem to have their preferred hunting grounds, especially around sports stadiums where they have a wide choice of mirrors, car radios and electric switches.

But despite all that, victims always know where to look for their property, at well known neighbourhoods that stock stolen vehicle parts: Gatsata.

Chances are that you might land on the very piece stolen from your car, and the question is” why is the trade left to flourish?

The shops are known, some of the thieves are well known that the mere site of them on the prowl keeps you on your guard.

We will continue to have such social misfits in our midst if something is not done to curb the trend. And that will begin with car owners not opting to go the "cheap” way to Gatsata for second hand parts.