Police officers in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, have arrested two persons of interest and recovered several stolen mobile phones in an operation aimed at curbing phone snatching in the area.

The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, that officers from Thogoto Police Post carried out the intelligence-led raid at Dagoretti Market after receiving reports of rising cases of phone snatching.

During the operation, one person was apprehended at the market. A short interrogation led officers to a shop in the DC area, where several stolen mobile phones were found. The premises owner was also arrested. Police secured the recovered devices as exhibits at the local police facility.

The two are in custody pending processing and arraignment in court. Police have not yet disclosed the number or make of the recovered phones, but investigations are ongoing to establish their rightful owners.

“Earlier today, officers from Thogoto Police Post carried out an intelligence-led operation at Dagoretti Market following reports of mobile phone snatching,” the statement read.

“During the operation, one suspect was arrested. He led officers to a shop in the DC area where suspected snatched mobile phones were recovered and the premises owner was also arrested. The two suspects are in custody pending processing and arraignment, while the recovered exhibits have been secured at the police facility.”

In a statement, NPS commended members of the public for their role in providing information that guided the operation.

Police intensify phone recovery

Phone snatching has become a persistent crime in many towns across the country. Just last month, detectives in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) recovered dozens of stolen devices during a raid at Intermark Business Centre. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) revealed that they were arrested while tampering with International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers in an attempt to conceal the stolen phones’ identities.

Similarly, in Kisumu County, officers from Kombewa Police Station recently arrested one in Kolenyo Village and recovered 24 assorted mobile phones, two laptops and a power bank believed to have been stolen.

DCI boss Mohamed Amin has previously explained that IMEI tracking plays a central role in recovering stolen devices. Speaking during a media interview earlier this month, Amin noted that while the agency relies heavily on technology, all investigations follow the law to protect the privacy of Kenyans.

“The use of IMEI numbers is one of the most effective techniques in tracing stolen phones, but we also ensure that we respect constitutional rights,” he said.