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En video: el “control universal” que estarían usando los ladrones para robar carros en Bogotá
CO🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/2/2026

En video: el “control universal” que estarían usando los ladrones para robar carros en Bogotá

The Colombian National Police conducted an operation in Bogotá targeting vehicle thefts and auto parts trafficking, resulting in the arrest of two individuals caught in the act. During the operation, three motorcycles were recovered in the Engativá neighborhood, along with components whose identification systems had been altered. Authorities identified a 'universal remote control' being used by suspects to unlock vehicles, highlighting a new method employed by thieves. The police emphasized the importance of citizen reports and noted a reduction in vehicle and motorcycle thefts in the city. This operation was part of broader security efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in such crimes.

The police have arrested two men in Bogotá after they were caught using a so-called “universal remote control” to steal vehicles, according to reports from local authorities. The operation was conducted by the National Police’s Specialized Crime Investigation Section (SIJIN) and resulted in the recovery of three motorcycles and several vehicle parts. During the raid, officers seized a device believed to be used for remotely unlocking cars, raising concerns among drivers about security measures. The arrests took place in the Engativá neighborhood, where the suspects were discovered attempting to flee with a stolen truck that had been reported as stolen under the “dragged away” modality. According to Brigadier General Giovanni Cristancho, commander of the Metropolitan Police of Bogotá, the men were identified with the universal remote control, which would allow them to bypass standard locking systems. The device was found during the arrest and is being analyzed to determine its exact function and how it might be used in future crimes. During the operation, police also executed two search warrants in commercial establishments located in the La Favorita district of Los Mártires. There, they recovered three motorcycles previously reported as stolen, along with three engines and one gasoline tank whose identification systems had been altered. These items will be returned to their rightful owners once verified. The police emphasized the importance of reporting thefts promptly and urged citizens to take additional precautions to secure their vehicles. This operation is part of broader efforts by Bogotá’s authorities to combat vehicle theft and related criminal activities. In the first half of 2026 alone, the police have managed to recover 1,066 motorcycles and 760 automobiles, significantly disrupting organized crime networks. As a result, there has been an 8% reduction in vehicle thefts and a 5% decrease in motorcycle thefts, with 164 fewer cases reported compared to previous periods. This decline is attributed to increased preventive and corrective operations carried out by law enforcement. Authorities have reiterated their call for vehicle owners to enhance security measures, avoid leaving cars unattended, and report suspicious activity through the emergency hotline 123. They continue to monitor the situation closely and are working to identify more individuals involved in these illegal activities. The use of advanced tools such as the universal remote control highlights the evolving nature of criminal tactics, prompting further investigation into how such devices can be prevented or intercepted. In addition to targeting vehicle theft, Bogotá has expanded its judicial police force to address other forms of crime, including cargo smuggling and theft of electronic devices. This initiative aims to strengthen overall public safety and reduce the incidence of property-related offenses. The police have also noted that financial losses associated with these criminal structures have been estimated at around 30 million pesos, underscoring the scale of the problem and the impact on local communities. The discovery of the universal remote control has sparked discussions among officials about the need for updated security protocols and greater collaboration between different agencies to track and intercept such devices. While the immediate focus remains on recovering stolen property and apprehending offenders, long-term strategies are being developed to stay ahead of emerging threats. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and support ongoing efforts to maintain order and safety in the city.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

4 reports

El Espectador logoEl EspectadorIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 758/29/2026
Capture two men with universal control that they would have used to open cars in Bogota

Two men were arrested in Bogotá for allegedly using a universal remote control device to open cars. The device, which allows access to vehicles without authorization, has been linked to thefts in the area. Authorities believe the suspects used this technology to commit crimes, potentially targeting parked cars. This incident highlights concerns over vehicle security and the potential misuse of electronic devices. The arrest was made by local law enforcement, though specific details about the operation or the number of vehicles affected remain unclear.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on an arrest related to vehicle theft using unauthorized devices. It does not present any overtly biased language, nor does it favor one side of a political issue. The focus is on criminal activity rather than political debate or policy discussion.

Why factuality (85): The article states that two men were captured with a 'control universal' used to open cars in Bogotá. This claim is plausible given the context of vehicle theft and the common use of such devices in similar crimes. However, no specific details about the arrest, evidence, or police statements are pro

Why objectivity (75): The article uses direct language but lacks contextual depth or alternative perspectives. It presents the arrest as a clear action by authorities without exploring potential controversies or broader implications, which slightly reduces its neutrality.

Semana logoSemanaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 758/29/2026
In video: the 'universal control' that would be used by thieves to steal cars in Bogotá

The Colombian National Police conducted an operation in Bogotá targeting vehicle thefts and auto parts trafficking, resulting in the arrest of two individuals caught in the act. During the operation, three motorcycles were recovered in the Engativá neighborhood, along with components whose identification systems had been altered. Authorities identified a 'universal remote control' being used by suspects to unlock vehicles, highlighting a new method employed by thieves. The police emphasized the importance of citizen reports and noted a reduction in vehicle and motorcycle thefts in the city. This operation was part of broader security efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in such crimes.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of law enforcement actions against crime without overtly favoring any political ideology. It focuses on the operational details of the police action, the recovery of stolen property, and statistical reductions in crime rates. There is no evident ideological sl抗

Why factuality (85): The article reports on a police operation in Bogotá where two individuals were captured attempting to flee with a stolen truck using a 'universal control' device. It cites statements from the Police Commander, Brigadier General Giovanni Cristancho, as a primary source. The information aligns with ty

Why objectivity (75): The article presents the police action in a straightforward manner but uses emotionally charged language such as 'encendiendo las alarmas entre los conductores' (raising alarms among drivers) and 'golpe a las rentas criminales' (strike against criminal rentals). These phrases suggest a level of conc

El Espectador logoEl EspectadorIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 708/28/2026
Bogota strengthens Judicial Police to curb fleteo and theft of cars and cellphones

The article reports that Bogotá is strengthening its Judicial Police force to combat vehicle theft and mobile phone theft. The city aims to address rising crime rates by increasing police presence and resources dedicated to these specific offenses. The focus is on preventing organized criminal activities related to transportation and electronics theft.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a municipal initiative without overtly favoring any political ideology. It focuses on law enforcement measures rather than ideological commentary, maintaining a balanced tone.

Why factuality (80): The article reports on Bogotá reinforcing the Police Judicial to combat vehicle and cellphone theft. The information aligns with general knowledge about increased crime prevention efforts in urban areas. However, there is limited specificity regarding the measures being taken or the effectiveness of

Why objectivity (70): The tone is informative but leans toward emphasizing the need for stronger law enforcement actions without presenting counterarguments or community responses, which may introduce a subtle bias toward official narratives.

El Espectador logoEl EspectadorIndependentCenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 709/2/2026
21 alleged sex offenders captured in international operation

A Colombian news outlet reports that 21 individuals suspected of sexual aggression were arrested during an international operation. The article highlights the collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies across borders to combat sexual crimes. It emphasizes the scale of the operation and the impact on public safety, though it does not provide specific details about the countries involved or the legal proceedings against the suspects.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about a law enforcement action without overtly endorsing or criticizing any political entity. While the subject matter involves criminal justice and intergovernmental cooperation, which can be politically sensitive, the framing remains neutral, focusing on factual报道.

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (70): The article presents the information in a straightforward manner without overt bias or emotional language. It uses neutral phrasing such as 'presuntos agresores sexuales' (suspected sexual aggressors) and focuses on the operational outcome without injecting personal opinion or editorializing.

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