WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Police Force is warning that abandoned vehicles are not only an eyesore but also a potential threat to public health and road safety, as authorities intensify efforts to remove unused vehicles from streets and residential neighborhoods.
The warning follows an enforcement operation conducted on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in the Kanga/Dein area and along Bahamasweg, Haitiweg and Cubaguaweg.
During the operation, officers discovered two neglected dogs at a property near the intersection of Haitiweg and Bahamasweg, where several abandoned vehicles had been left.
The animals were taken into custody by an animal welfare inspector and transported to the Department of Veterinary Affairs for further attention.
The discovery highlighted another concern associated with poorly maintained properties where old vehicles and other discarded materials accumulate.
According to police, abandoned vehicles can attract mosquitoes, rats and other animals, creating conditions that may threaten public health in surrounding neighborhoods.
Vehicles left along public roads can also obstruct traffic, reduce visibility and create dangerous situations for motorists and pedestrians.
Police said residents and business owners must take responsibility for vehicles that are no longer being used, regardless of whether they are temporarily out of service or permanently abandoned.
The Police Force is particularly concerned about garages and commercial establishments that use public roads to store vehicles awaiting repairs or disposal.
Authorities emphasized that public roads are not intended to serve as permanent storage areas for unused vehicles.
During Saturday's operation, several owners complied with police instructions and removed vehicles voluntarily. Others faced compulsory removal at their own expense after failing to respond to earlier warnings.
Police warned that similar operations will continue and that vehicles found in violation of the regulations may be removed, with the costs charged to their owners. Additional fines may also be imposed.
The department is urging residents to recognize that abandoned vehicles affect more than the appearance of a neighborhood. They can contribute to unhealthy surroundings and create preventable safety hazards.
Police reiterated that maintaining clean, accessible and safe public spaces is a shared responsibility and called on vehicle owners and garage operators to take the necessary action before enforcement becomes necessary.