Chisinau authorities are concerned about the phenomenon of thefts of elevator accessories in apartment blocks, as the increased in frequency in 2007. 88 thefts were registered last year, and this year in a month and a half alone, 76 cases were registered. The head of the Communal Department Mihai Solcan told reporters on February 26 that 18 thefts of elevator parts were registered last week, of which 12 cases in Botanica district, 3 – in Rascani district and one in Buiucani, Centru and Ciocana districts. The thieves steal engines, transformers and cables. Mihai Solcan says that several persons were caught due to cooperation with police but the fact that the thefts in elevators became the specialisation of several criminal groups is concerning. Previously, municipal authorities said the thefts in elevators set reasons for creating associations of dwellers part of 23 municipal enterprises. Former Mayor Vasile Ursu considered that the thefts were more frequent at municipal enterprises compared with the associations of privatised dwellings, which have managers. According to Chisinau Police Deputy Commissioner Iacob Gumenita, the police together with the representatives of the City Hall perform raids to stop the thefts. Depending on the number of offences, as well as on the value of the damage, the thieves are fined or even imprisoned, Gumenita said, Info-Prim Neo reports.