Police in Nyeri have arrested a 32-year-old man after a raid on a shop in Nyeri Township led to the recovery of hundreds of stolen electronic devices.
The operation, carried out on Friday, September 19, was informed by intelligence reports that the premises were being used to trade in stolen and snatched mobile phones and laptops. Officers stormed the shop and conducted a thorough search, which uncovered 292 used mobile phones and four laptops suspected to have been stolen.
The suspect, who was present at the scene, was unable to provide a credible explanation for how he had acquired the electronic items. As a result, he was taken into custody and escorted to Nyeri Police Station, where he was booked and is currently being held pending further investigations.
Authorities say an inventory of the recovered gadgets has already been prepared. The process of tracing the rightful owners of the stolen items is ongoing, and victims of theft and phone snatching incidents in Nyeri and surrounding areas are expected to come forward to identify their property.
The incident is part of a broader crackdown on criminal networks dealing in stolen electronics. Police have intensified surveillance and operations targeting shops and individuals suspected of trafficking such devices, warning that those caught will face the full force of the law.
Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant when purchasing second-hand electronics, as buying stolen property not only fuels crime but also attracts legal consequences. Officers further encouraged residents to share information that can help in dismantling criminal enterprises operating in the region.
The arrest has been welcomed as a step forward in combating rising cases of phone theft and robberies in urban centers. By cutting off black markets where stolen goods are resold, authorities hope to reduce incidents of violent snatching and burglary.
Police have assured residents that similar operations will continue across Nyeri and other counties, with the aim of restoring safety and trust within communities. The ongoing investigation is expected to unearth more leads, potentially exposing a wider syndicate behind the illegal trade in stolen mobile phones and laptops.
