Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have apprehended two suspects in connection with a string of vehicle break-ins in Embakasi, Nairobi. The duo, identified as Charles Mulwa Mwema and Shaban Maingi Rashid, were arrested after an operation by DCI officers in collaboration with the management of a local bank.
The suspects are believed to have been targeting vehicles parked near banking halls, exploiting moments when owners left their cars to conduct transactions. Their arrest follows an incident on November 23, 2024, in which Ksh500,000 was stolen from a locked vehicle outside a bank in Utawala.
According to preliminary reports, the suspects have been on the radar of law enforcement for some time. On the day of the theft, the car’s owner had briefly stepped into the bank, only to return and find their vehicle broken into and the money gone. Following the report, detectives launched investigations, tracing the suspects through CCTV footage and other forensic leads.
The suspects were reportedly arrested while attempting to flee the area. Authorities recovered tools believed to have been used to gain access to locked vehicles, including master keys and a device suspected to disrupt car alarm systems.
“This arrest is a breakthrough in addressing the rising cases of vehicle break-ins, particularly near banking institutions,” a DCI official said. “We urge the public to remain vigilant and avoid leaving valuables in their cars, even for a short period.”
Residents in Embakasi and its environs have raised concerns over the increasing sophistication of car theft syndicates. The DCI continues to investigate whether the two suspects are part of a larger criminal network targeting unsuspecting vehicle owners.
The suspects are currently in custody, awaiting formal charges. Law enforcement has urged anyone with information related to similar incidents to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in tackling crime.
This arrest highlights the need for enhanced security measures, particularly in high-traffic areas like banking halls, to deter such crimes. Meanwhile, the public has been reminded to exercise caution and avoid keeping large sums of money or valuable items in parked vehicles.
By Newsmedia