How robbers prey on bank customers in Coast

Nine suspects were arrested over the weekend in connection to rising cases of high-tech robberies targeting bank customers in Mombasa and Kilifi counties.

Coast Region Police Commander Ali Nuno said at least Sh3.8 million recovered from one of the suspects. He said the money is suspected to be proceeds of the crime.

Police boss said the suspects were also behind a highly sophisticated syndicate of thieves that uses specialised devices to disable car alarms before stealing from their vehicles.

The arrests followed a weeks-long intelligence-led operation by the National Police Service (NPS) conducted in the counties of Kilifi and Mombasa.

Mr Nuno said the suspects, aged between 26 and 30 years, were behind a series of car break-ins and robberies targeting those who withdraw huge sums from banks.

"All these suspects reside within Mtwapa and its environs. In one of the suspect's houses, the items we have recovered in his home are worth about sh3.8 million," said Nuno.

He added, "These people operate like kings and queens. They have a high standard of living that an ordinary Kenyan can not afford," said Nuno.

The police boss said the nine suspects were apprehended and placed in custody following a custodial order. They would be arraigned in court today.

“Some of them have criminal records dating back to 2017, while others still have pending cases at the Mombasa Law Court,” he stated.

Nuno said police recovered eight motor vehicles used in committing the crimes or acquired as proceeds of crime. The vehicles are at station yards for forensic investigations.

"We have recovered eight motor vehicles, which are at the station yards, and they are either used in the commission of the crime or are proceeds of the crime," said Nuno.

Nuno said that the suspects operate within financial institutions and banks.

“They place themselves strategically within banking halls and financial institutions, targeting individuals withdrawing large amounts of money,” he said.

He said the robbers operate in groups or teams of three. The first team poses as ordinary customers inside the bank to identify potential victims.

Once a target is selected, it alerts a second team stationed outside the bank premises to disable the alarm system of the victim's vehicle using specialised electronic devices.

The gadget reportedly interferes with the locking mechanism, allowing the thieves to access the car unnoticed. After disabling the car alarm, break in to steal the cash or valuables.

"As you leave the car, you are identified. So when you have withdrawn the money and want to do some shopping somewhere, they follow you, and when you alight before you lock the vehicle, they press the gadget, and your car's entire system is disengaged," Nuno explains.

Nuno has issued a stern warning to individuals operating illegal activities in the coast region to surrender themselves to the police.

''We therefore appeal to the general public, those who might have been victims of this crime, to come forward and record a statement and assist us in identifying these suspects,'' Nuno said.

Meanwhile, police in Malindi have arrested eight members of a criminal gang, including four juveniles, behind the theft ofg livestock in Kilifi County. The youngest suspect is 15-years old.

The suspected members of the criminal gangs were arrested in the Mgurureni, Kanywangwa, Furunzi and Malindi township areas. According to the police report, the gang is called B13. 

Their arrest comes after members of the public reported the gangs wreaking havoc in Malindi. A panga was recovered from one of the gang members.

They are held at Malindi police station pending their arraignment in court for offences of being members of a criminal group, malicious damage to property, assault and preparation to commit a felony.