Police in Nairobi have arrested a suspect and recovered dozens of stolen mobile phones following a tip-off from the public in Kariobangi North, highlighting the growing importance of community information in fighting crime in the city.
The National Police Service said on Thursday that officers from Kariobangi North Police Station acted on intelligence received from residents earlier in the day. The information led to a targeted operation along Kamunde Road in the Kanyama area within Kariobangi North Ward.
During the operation, officers arrested a suspect found in possession of property believed to be stolen. A total of 36 assorted smartphones were recovered, which police believe were obtained through criminal activity. Investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the devices and identify their owners.
The suspect is now in police custody, awaiting further processing and arraignment in court. The recovered phones have been secured as evidence and will be presented during court proceedings.
Mobile phone theft remains a frequent crime in Nairobi, particularly in densely populated areas and informal settlements. Stolen phones are often sold in informal markets or dismantled for parts, making recovery difficult once they circulate.
Police said operations like the one in Kariobangi North aim to disrupt these networks and discourage repeat offenses. “The success of the operation was directly linked to timely information provided by the public,” the National Police Service noted in a statement.
Authorities have emphasized the value of community policing in enhancing urban security. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity anonymously, which helps improve response times and strengthens trust between officers and communities.
Kariobangi North, like several other eastern Nairobi neighborhoods, has experienced periodic spikes in petty crime, including phone snatching, burglaries, and robberies. Security agencies have responded with intelligence-led operations, increased patrols, and public awareness campaigns to encourage residents to share information.
Police continue to trace the rightful owners of the recovered smartphones and have urged victims to visit Kariobangi North Police Station with proof of ownership to assist in identification and recovery.
The arrest and recovery are part of ongoing efforts to curb crime in Nairobi’s residential areas. Authorities said similar operations will continue across the city to improve public safety and prevent criminal activity.
