Police in Nairobi have thwarted a suspected burglary operation in the Parklands area, arresting key suspects and recovering a cache of tools believed to have been used in house-breaking incidents across the city.
The operation was launched on Wednesday afternoon after a vigilant resident of Parklands Court Limited raised an alarm over a suspicious vehicle parked within the residential compound.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 2:20 p.m. when the resident returned home and noticed a black Nissan X-Trail bearing registration number KDK 162E occupied by four individuals. The suspects reportedly claimed they were delivering a parcel contained in a khaki envelope and were accompanied by a security guard attached to Delta 7 Security.
“Sensing something was wrong, the resident immediately raised an alarm and blocked the vehicle from leaving while alerting security personnel to secure the gate,” police said.
However, before action could be taken, the suspects fled on foot, abandoning the vehicle within the compound. Officers from Parklands Police Station responded swiftly and launched a manhunt within and around the area.
During the operation, detectives arrested Lavender Akinyi Ogilo, whom investigators described as a notorious suspect linked to several house-breaking cases in Parklands and neighbouring estates.
Police said she had disguised herself in a Muslim hijab and was attempting to board an Uber outside the compound when she was apprehended.
“CCTV footage revealed that the suspect had arrived with the occupants of the abandoned vehicle but strategically alighted outside the premises while the others entered the compound,” investigators stated.
Police further recovered a headscarf matching the hijab allegedly worn by the suspect from inside the vehicle, strengthening the case against her.
Investigations later established that Ogilo was allegedly working in concert with the four suspects who escaped from the scene.
In a further development, two security guards identified as Levis Kirui Chenemai and Dorine Linda Imodia were arrested and are assisting investigators as police probe their possible involvement in the incident.
A thorough search of the abandoned Nissan X-Trail yielded several items suspected to have been used in criminal activities. Among the recovered exhibits were metal crowbars, a Y-spanner, assorted screws, motor vehicle ignition keys, a CCTV camera, a surveillance disk, a computer mouse, bags, and a pair of registration plates bearing the number KDQ 604L.
“Officers recovered a range of tools commonly associated with burglary operations and other suspicious activities,” police said.
Detectives also uncovered irregularities concerning the vehicle. Preliminary investigations revealed that registration number KDK 162E is officially assigned to a Toyota Crown saloon and not the Nissan X-Trail found at the scene, raising further suspicion about the vehicle’s origin and use.
The vehicle has since been towed to Parklands Police Station as detectives continue investigations to establish the full scope of the suspected criminal network and identify other accomplices.
“As investigations progress, the suspects remain in lawful custody pending completion of legal procedures. We commend the vigilance of the complainant and reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding residents through intelligence-led policing and close collaboration with the public,” police said.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities as efforts continue to combat organized crime and burglary syndicates in Nairobi.
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