A motorist travelling along Limuru Road near Muthaiga Mini Market Roundabout recovered his iPhone 15 Pro Max after chasing a suspected phone snatcher who grabbed it through his vehicle window.
Police officers on patrol joined the pursuit, arrested the suspect and recovered the phone.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported that officers arrested five suspects in separate operations in Nairobi and Thika and recovered dozens of mobile phones and other electronic devices suspected to be stolen.
According to the DCI, the incident occurred in the afternoon as traffic slowed along Limuru Road. The motorist was making a phone call using his iPhone 15 Pro Max when a suspect identified as Kelvin Mwangi Gachuru allegedly snatched the device through the vehicle window and fled.
The motorist immediately exited his vehicle and chased the suspect. Police officers who witnessed the incident joined the pursuit and arrested him.
Officers recovered the stolen iPhone and took the suspect to Gigiri Police Station for processing pending arraignment.
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Three Suspects Arrested in Komarock
In a separate incident along Komarock, police officers on foot patrol arrested two men who allegedly snatched a mobile phone from a female passenger aboard a matatu.
“Meanwhile, along Komarock, officers on foot patrol arrested three phone snatchers targeting a female passenger aboard a matatu,” DCI reported.
The officers reportedly spotted three suspects riding a motorcycle, registration number KMGZ 673P, as they targeted the passenger. Police arrested two suspects, Kevin Musyoka and Deric Odhiambo, while the third allegedly escaped with the stolen phone.
During a follow-up operation, officers were led to a house in the Superloaf area of Mowlem by the two arrested suspects, which police believe belonged to their accomplice.
Officers raided the premises and arrested the third suspect, identified as Austine Mwangi. They also recovered the phone allegedly stolen from the matatu passenger, along with four other mobile phones.
Detectives Recover 57 Phones in Thika
Meanwhile, detectives in Thika Town arrested another suspect during an intelligence-led operation targeting a suspected stolen-electronics racket.
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The operation followed reports that individuals were tampering with International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of stolen phones. IMEI numbers uniquely identify mobile devices.
“In a separate intelligence-led operation in Thika Town, detectives moved in on a suspected stolen-electronics racket following reports that individuals were tampering with IMEI numbers of stolen phones.”
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 be stolen.
The DCI said all five suspects were in police custody undergoing processing pending arraignment.
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