Police arrest suspects recovering 62 phones in Nairobi and Thika crackdown

Police have arrested five suspects and recovered 62 mobile phones in separate operations targeting suspected phone theft and the handling of stolen electronics in Nairobi and Thika.

The arrests followed a series of incidents involving alleged phone-snatching in busy public areas and an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected tampering with the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of stolen devices, according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

In one incident, a motorist travelling along Limuru Road near Muthaiga Mini Market Roundabout lost his iPhone 15 Pro Max after a suspected phone snatcher allegedly grabbed it through his vehicle window while he was making a call in afternoon traffic.

The motorist immediately jumped out of his vehicle and pursued the suspect, attracting the attention of police officers on patrol. The officers joined the chase and arrested the suspect, recovering the phone before escorting him to Gigiri Police Station for processing.

Source: Standard