Police Arrest Suspects Stealing Parts from Vehicles Stuck in Traffic

The police have arrested two suspects amid a spike in theft of motor vehicle parts from cars stuck in traffic within Nairobi.

In a statement issued by the National Police Service (NPS), police officers from Obama Police Station nabbed the suspects during a traffic stop along Kangundo Road.

Police recovered stolen motor vehicle parts, including grilles and headlights, from the suspects.

"A quick search led to the recovery of suspected stolen motor vehicle parts, including a Toyota Harrier grille and a Toyota Harrier headlight," the statement read in part.

The suspects were taken into police custody and were booked pending their arraignment in a court of law. NPS confirmed that the detectives have kick-started the process of locating the owners of the stolen parts.

"Significantly, the recovered parts were marked with a vehicle registration number, providing investigators with a vital lead in tracing the rightful owner, while also supporting efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the theft," the police noted.

Meanwhile, the police stated that vehicle parts theft has become a serious concern across Nairobi, with motorists falling prey to daring criminals who strike within minutes, targeting vehicles parked in public spaces or even those caught in traffic.

NPS disclosed that headlights, grilles, side mirrors, and other high-value components are prime targets for the thieves. 

The Service assured Kenyans of its unwavering commitment to combating vehicle parts theft and other forms of criminality.

The police further urged motorists to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities, as every report strengthens the collective fight against crime.

NPS called on Kenyans to report any incidents of criminal or suspicious activities at the nearest police station or via the toll-free numbers 999 and 911, where information may be provided anonymously.