- Police arrested five suspects following phone-snatching incidents in Nairobi and an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected stolen-electronics dealers
- A motorist chasing a suspect who allegedly snatched his iPhone 15 Pro Max along Limuru Road received help from police officers
- Detectives raided a room at Aliza Plaza in Thika, recovering 57 mobile phones, two tablets, two laptops and other electronic devices
A police crackdown on phone theft in Nairobi and Thika has led to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of dozens of mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices believed to have been stolen.
Source: Facebook
In a statement shared on Wednesday, October 14, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the arrests followed swift police responses to phone-snatching incidents and intelligence-led operations targeting suspected stolen-electronics dealers.
In the first incident, a motorist travelling along Limuru Road near Muthaiga Mini Market Roundabout was using an iPhone 15 Pro Max when a suspect allegedly snatched it through the vehicle's window amid afternoon traffic.
The suspect, identified as Kelvin Mwangi Gachuru, also known as Malebo, attempted to flee but was pursued by the motorist, who was joined by police officers on patrol.
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The officers apprehended the suspect and recovered the phone before escorting him to Gigiri Police Station for processing pending arraignment.
"Malebo amekataa kuokoka let's pray for him," a netizen reacted.
How were phone snatchers arrested in Nairobi?
In a separate incident along Komarock Road, police officers on foot patrol reportedly spotted three suspects riding a motorcycle, registration number KMGZ 673P, as they snatched a phone from a female passenger travelling in a matatu.
Officers gave chase and arrested two suspects, identified as Kevin Musyoka and Deric Odhiambo, while their third accomplice escaped with the stolen phone.
However, the investigation led officers to a house in the Superloaf area of Mowlem, which was believed to belong to the fleeing suspect. During the follow-up raid, police arrested Austine Mwangi and recovered the stolen phone alongside four other mobile phones.
What did detectives recover in Thika?
Meanwhile, detectives in Thika Town conducted an intelligence-led operation targeting a suspected stolen-electronics racket following reports that individuals were tampering with International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers to conceal the identities of stolen phones.
The detectives raided a room on the eighth floor of Aliza Plaza, where they arrested Elvis Thuita Gitau. A search of the premises led to the recovery of 57 assorted mobile phones, two tablets, two laptops and other electronic devices suspected to have been stolen.
The DCI said all five suspects were in police custody undergoing processing pending arraignment.
The agency urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activity anonymously through its toll-free number, 0800 722 203, or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
Source: TUKO.co.ke