Police officers in Korogocho, Nairobi, have arrested a man suspected of involvement in phone-snatching incidents after responding to reports from members of the public.
The suspect was apprehended in the Balcans area following an incident in which a resident lost his mobile phone to two young men who allegedly attacked him in Tumaini before escaping on foot.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), the incident happened when the complainant was confronted by the two suspects, who grabbed his phone and fled towards Balcans.
The victim raised the alarm, prompting members of the public to alert officers at Korogocho Police Station. Police responded to the information and launched a search in the direction taken by the suspects.
Their efforts led to the arrest of one of the two men in Balcans. The second suspect was not reported to have been apprehended, and police have not provided further details about efforts to trace him.
Officers conducted a search on the arrested man and recovered two mobile phones, identified as a Tecno and an Infinix. Police believe the devices may be connected to criminal activities, although their ownership and possible links to other reported cases are yet to be established.
The suspect was taken to Korogocho Police Station, where he remains in custody as officers complete the necessary procedures ahead of his expected appearance before the Makadara Law Courts.
The arrest comes amid concerns over phone-snatching and other street-level crimes in parts of Nairobi, where pedestrians and residents can lose their valuables to individuals who quickly escape on foot or using other means.
Such incidents can leave victims without their phones and may expose them to further risks, particularly when personal information, financial applications and other sensitive details are stored on the devices.
Police have continued to encourage residents to report suspected criminal activity and share information that could help officers respond to incidents and identify those involved.
In its statement, the National Police Service thanked members of the public who provided information that helped officers locate and arrest the suspect. The service noted that cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies plays an important role in crime prevention and the apprehension of suspected offenders.
Residents have also been urged to remain alert and avoid confronting suspected criminals where doing so could put their lives in danger. Instead, they are encouraged to report incidents promptly to the nearest police station or through the official emergency channels.
Members of the public can contact the police through emergency numbers 999, 911 and 112. Information can also be shared with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations through the toll-free line 0800 722 203 under the #FichuaKwaDCI initiative or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
Police are expected to continue with investigations to establish whether the recovered phones are connected to other reported incidents and determine whether the arrested suspect had any additional accomplices.
The suspect will face the court process as investigations continue, while authorities seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged robbery and the recovery of the two devices.
