THIKA, Kenya — Police have arrested three suspects in Thika West Sub-County following a crackdown on a mobile phone theft syndicate operating in the Jomoko area.
The National Police Service said officers from Ngoingwa Police Station intensified patrols and surveillance after receiving multiple reports of phone snatching incidents targeting members of the public.
Preliminary intelligence indicated that the suspects were using a motorcycle to trail and rob unsuspecting victims before fleeing the scene at high speed.
Acting on the information, police mounted a coordinated ambush along an identified escape route. During the operation, a motorcycle carrying three male suspects approached from the Juja direction and was intercepted.
All three suspects, aged between 22 and 24, were arrested without incident.
A search conducted at the scene led to the recovery of a toy pistol, which police said had been used to intimidate victims during the commission of the robberies.
According to investigators, the suspects admitted during interrogation that they were not residents of the area. They allegedly travelled from another neighbourhood in Nairobi County to Thika West specifically to carry out mobile phone thefts.
The suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue. The recovered toy pistol has been secured as an exhibit.
In a statement, the National Police Service said it remains on high alert and will sustain proactive operations to curb insecurity.
“The Service reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of all,” police said.
