NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 4 – Detectives in Nyeri have made a significant breakthrough in combating mobile phone theft in the area, recovering 417 suspected stolen mobile phones.
They also arrested a 32-year-old man believed to be connected to the alleged theft alongside two of his accomplices.
The series of events that led to this major breakthrough began with the arrest of two men, John Kariuki and James Thuita, who were caught in the act of snatching mobile phones from shoppers in Gatitu, Nyeri on November 1, 2023.
Subsequent investigations and interrogations led detectives to a mobile phone repair shop in Gatitu operated by an accomplice, David Thinwa Ngatia.
Upon arresting Ngatia, the detectives discovered a stash of stolen goods, including the suspected stolen mobile phones, two TV sets, three laptops, two cameras, 47 mobile subscriber sim cards, and an HP printer, among other items. All these items were seized and preserved as exhibits for further investigation.
The Nyeri security command has expressed concern over the increasing incidents of pickpocketing, particularly the theft of smartphones. The public has been warned to remain vigilant and take precautions to safeguard their belongings.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has assured the public that they are fully committed to addressing the issue of mobile phone theft and will continue to pursue every individual connected to this theft racket.
The recovery of these stolen mobile phones is a significant step in curbing the rising incidents of mobile phone theft in the region.
