The Police have launched a manhunt to apprehend four individuals who had stolen a vehicle while on a test drive in the Mattegoda area last evening.

Police Spokesman Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ajith Rohana said a car had been advertised for sale on a prominent website along with the contact details of the owner and his son-in-law.

Four men had arrived to inspect the vehicle, following which three men had ventured on a test drive along with the owner of the car around 07.00pm yesterday.

The buyers had later thrown out the owner of the vehicle and had driven off.

DIG Ajith Rohana said the vehicle is estimated to cost around Rs. 5.2 million.

Investigations are underway to apprehend the suspects involved in the theft.

The Police Spokesman warned the public to remain vigilant of scams involving test driving of vehicles.

He further urged sellers to engage with buyers during the day and to be accompanied by more people known to them when test driving with buyers.

DIG Ajith Rohana added that information has been received that an organized group is behind such vehicle thefts in Sri Lanka.