Thika West Sub-County — Police have struck a decisive blow against a spate of mobile phone thefts that had left residents of Jomoko area on edge, arresting three young men in a swift, intelligence-led operation that signals a renewed clampdown on crime.
The arrests followed a surge in reports from members of the public who had fallen victim to brazen phone snatchings, often carried out in broad daylight. Detectives from Ngoingwa Police Station moved quickly, intensifying surveillance and patrols after establishing a clear pattern in the attacks.
According to preliminary intelligence, the suspects were using a motorcycle to trail unsuspecting pedestrians, snatch their mobile phones, and speed off before victims could raise alarm. Armed with this information, officers mounted a well-coordinated ambush along the suspects’ preferred escape route.
Their patience paid off.
A motorcycle ferrying three male suspects approached from the Juja direction and was intercepted mid-operation. All three — aged between 22 and 24 — were arrested on the spot without incident.
A search at the scene uncovered a toy pistol, which police say was routinely used to intimidate victims into compliance during the robberies — a chilling reminder that even fake weapons can cause real fear.
During interrogation, the suspects admitted they were not residents of the area. They revealed they had been travelling from a different neighbourhood in Nairobi County, deliberately targeting Thika West residents in what appears to be a cross-county crime operation.
The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue, while the recovered toy pistol has been secured as an exhibit.
Police have assured residents that security operations will remain heightened, warning criminal elements that Thika West is no longer a soft target.
“The Service remains on high alert and will continue proactive operations to curb insecurity,” police said in a statement, reaffirming their commitment to protecting lives and property.
For residents of Jomoko, the arrests offer a measure of relief — and a clear message: the net is tightening on crime.