Detectives have arrested a 35-year-old man believed to be part of a gang targeting vehicles parked in Nairobi.
The suspect, identified as Malcom Okello, was arrested after he allegedly broke into a car parked at Sameer Park on Monday evening and stole a laptop.
Police said the stolen laptop was recovered during the operation.
Officers also recovered a second number plate, KDG 453W, wireless remote control door jammers and a metallic door breaker from the suspect’s vehicle.
According to investigators, the vehicle is linked to a series of thefts from locked motor vehicles in different parts of Nairobi.
The recovered equipment is believed to have been used to gain access to locked vehicles before valuables are stolen.
The arrest has sparked reactions from Kenyans, with some claiming they have fallen victim to similar thefts.
One social media user, Martin Mwaura, said he lost a laptop and other equipment worth nearly KSh200,000 after thieves allegedly interfered with his vehicle’s door lock while it was parked at a hotel in Sagana.
“I am a victim. I lost my laptop and other equipment worth almost KSh200,000 last month in Sagana after they interfered with the door lock. Mind you, the vehicle was parked inside a hotel parking,” he wrote.
Another Kenyan, Zadock Angira, urged investigators to establish whether the suspects could be operating beyond Nairobi.
“Check some information I have sent you. These people could be operating even outside Nairobi,” he said.
Police have not confirmed whether the suspect is linked to thefts outside the capital. Investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the alleged criminal network.
