Alarm as phone snatchers resurface with new tactics

Cases of people losing mobile phones in the city are rising again, with the thieves often riding on motorbikes.

After a lull, the mobile snatchers have resurfaced, spreading fear among city dwellers. Residents are now calling for swift action from security agencies.

The thieves don’t seem to fear police officers as most operate near police stations.

This writer was among the victims when, on November 10, his mobile phone was snatched by thugs riding on a motorbike at the Globe Cinema roundabout.

The thugs, whose motorbike did not have a registration number, sped towards the Westlands area via Waiyaki Way. The incident was reported at Central Police Station.

Multiple victims who spoke to The Nairobian expressed concern about their safety, citing a fresh wave of crime on roads and streets.

Tom Matabala says he was shocked when a visitor he was hosting fell victim to the thugs who stole his mobile phone as he stood outside a restaurant on Koinange Street.

“These thugs have become very ruthless. They robbed my visitor of his cellphone after he stepped out of the hotel to answer a call,” recounted Matabala.

Around the same time, a phone thief was rescued from a mob along Moi Avenue. The suspect, a man in his mid 40s, was dressed in a coat and tie.

“I am shocked that the man who snatched the mobile phone from that woman looked so smart. Police need to do more to arrest these thugs,” said Maureen Ahona, a witness.

The thieves are also targeting passengers in matatus and those queuing at bus termini. Similar complaints have been reported along major roads during traffic jams.

A source who sought anonymity said that most mobile phone snatchers are young men from Eastlands areas such as Kariobangi South, Dandora, Kayole, Kwa Maji along Kangundo Road, and Kwa Miti near Saika Estate.

According to the source, stolen phones are often taken to Umoja Two terminus or locations in Utawala before being sold.