Detectives in Nyeri have arrested one suspect and recovered over 417 suspected stolen mobile phones.
In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspect was arrested after detectives interrogated two others who had been arrested after they were cornered while snatching mobile phones from shoppers in Gatitu area, Nyeri county.
"Over 417 suspected stolen mobile phones have been recovered in Nyeri and a 32-year-old man arrested in connection with the theft. The recovery and arrest followed interrogations on two young men earlier arrested by Nyeri detectives, after they were cornered while snatching mobile phones from shoppers in Gatitu, Nyeri.
"John Kariuki and James Thuita were nabbed on November 1, 2023, before detectives proceeded to Gatitu shopping centre where their accomplice David Thinwa Ngatia who operated a mobile phones repair shop was ambushed and the recoveries made," the DCI said.
417 PHONES RECOVERED, THREE BEHIND BARS IN NYERI.
Over 417 suspected stolen mobile phones have been recovered in Nyeri and a 32-year-old man arrested in connection with the theft. The recovery and arrest followed interrogations on two young men earlier arrested by Nyeri… pic.twitter.com/Mc1rDHz3of— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) November 4, 2023
During the arrest of the suspect, detectives recovered two TV sets, three laptops, two cameras, 47 mobile subscriber sim cards, and a HP printer among others.
The suspect was taken into police custody awaiting arraignment in court and the items were seized and stored as exhibits.
Following the arrests, the Nyeri security command has issued a stern warning to pickpocketers terrorizing residents in the area.
"The Nyeri security command has warn against a surge in pick pocketers who are mostly interested in smart phones, but assures the public that whatever cartels are involved are on police radar and will soon face the full force of the law," the DCI added.
