Police in Maseno have arrested two people and recovered 11 laptops and three mobile phones believed to have been stolen from university students and other victims, following investigations triggered by the theft of a laptop from a hostel.
Highlights
- Two people have been arrested in connection with suspected stolen electronics.
- Police recovered 11 laptops and three mobile phones in Maseno.
- Investigations began after a student’s laptop was stolen from a hostel.
- The stolen device was traced to an electronics repair shop.
- Police have warned the public against buying electronics without proof of ownership.
Main Story
Stolen Laptop Leads Police to Maseno Repair Shop
Police in Maseno have arrested two persons of interest after recovering a collection of electronic devices believed to have been stolen from university students and other victims.
The investigation began after a complainant reported that his laptop had been stolen from his hostel room on September 10.
Police officers followed leads that eventually took them to an electronics repair shop in Maseno Township.
The complainant accompanied officers to the premises, where he identified his laptop among the devices at the shop.
Seller Arrested After Police Set Up Sting
According to the National Police Service, the shop owner told officers that he had purchased the laptop from another person.
The shopkeeper then assisted police in arranging for the alleged seller to return to the premises.
When the seller arrived, officers arrested him.
A search conducted on him led to the recovery of another laptop and a mobile phone.
Police said the devices were later established to belong to a university student who had also reported a theft.
More Devices Recovered
Investigators subsequently searched the repair shop, where they discovered 10 additional laptops and two more mobile phones.
This brought the total recovery to 11 laptops and three mobile phones.
The devices have been documented and retained by police as exhibits as investigations continue to establish their ownership and determine whether they are linked to other reported theft cases.
The two suspects are being held at Maseno Police Station pending their arraignment.
Police Warn Against Buying Stolen Electronics
The National Police Service has urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing electronic devices, particularly from individuals or dealers who cannot provide documentation proving ownership.
Police warned that buying or knowingly possessing stolen property is a criminal offence.
The latest recovery also highlights the challenges faced by students and other residents whose electronic devices are targeted for theft and later resold through informal markets.
Nairobi Police Make Separate Recovery
The Maseno operation comes shortly after another major recovery in Nairobi.
Police recently recovered 120 suspected stolen mobile phones, 10 laptops and 18 gas cylinders during a raid on a house in Mukuru kwa Reuben.
According to the NPS, the person operating the premises could not satisfactorily explain how the electronic devices came into his possession.
Police investigations into the Nairobi recovery are also continuing.
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