Police in Meru County have arrested a person of interest suspected of playing a key role in the buying and selling of stolen goods during an intensified crackdown targeting criminal networks fuelling burglaries and house break-ins in the region.

The National Police Service (NPS), in a statement issued via X on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, said the individual was apprehended during a targeted operation conducted by officers from Maua Police Station in the Maili Tatu area, where investigators believe a shadow market for stolen property has been thriving.

According to the police, the operation was part of an ongoing effort to dismantle criminal supply chains that enable theft-related crimes by providing ready buyers for stolen household and personal items.

Authorities say such networks play a critical role in sustaining muggings, burglaries, and break-ins by creating demand for illegally obtained goods, making it harder for victims to recover their property.

“Crimes such as muggings, burglaries, and housebreakings are often sustained by networks of individuals who provide a ready market for stolen goods. These offences continue to cause significant losses to members of the public, with victims deprived of valuable household and personal property,” the NPS stated.

“By purchasing and concealing stolen items, these individuals encourage criminal activity and make it harder for victims to recover their belongings.”

Maili Tatu residence raid

During the operation, officers searched the person of interest’s residence and recovered a variety of items believed to be stolen property.

Among the recovered items were 57 mobile phone covers of different colours and models, eight mobile phones, five television remotes, audio equipment, TV stands and other assorted household goods.

Police say the nature and quantity of the items raised suspicion that the individual may have been actively involved in receiving and redistributing stolen goods within the local market.

He was immediately arrested and taken into custody pending further investigations and eventual arraignment in court.

“In a continued effort to dismantle these networks, police officers from Maua Police Station in Meru County conducted an operation yesterday in the Maili Tatu area. They targeted a suspect believed to be involved in buying stolen property,” the statement reads in part.

“During a search of the suspect’s residence, officers recovered numerous suspected stolen items, including 57 mobile phone covers of various colours and models, 8 mobile phones of different types, 5 television remote controls, audio equipment, TV stands and other household items.”

Crackdown on stolen goods networks

The National Police Service has intensified operations targeting individuals believed to be buying, storing, and reselling stolen property, arguing that such activities directly contribute to rising cases of burglary and theft.

Security officers say dismantling these networks is key to reducing property-related crimes, which continue to affect households across Meru County and other parts of the country.

Police have warned members of the public that purchasing or handling suspected stolen goods is a criminal offence and may lead to prosecution, even if the individual was not directly involved in the theft.

Public urged to cooperate

Authorities have also urged residents to report suspicious transactions and individuals suspected of dealing in stolen property as part of efforts to improve community safety.

The National Police Service reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations against criminals and their accomplices, stating that coordinated efforts between law enforcement and the public are essential in disrupting criminal supply chains.

Police say investigations into the wider network are ongoing, with more arrests possible as detectives seek to identify additional individuals linked to the trade.