Nyali detectives are pursuing a ring of car breakers operating in the mainland north of Mombasa city, that is believed to be targeting motorists residing in the high-end residences and hotels.
Using two motor vehicles, the hoodlums trail motorists who spin opulent cars, until they (targets) park and leave to run errands or refresh at their preferred joints.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the breakers block the targeted car to ensure no curious person or CCTV detects what is happening, they smash the car's valance window, sweep all the valuables their hands can land on before hurtling away.
In the latest incident on Sunday, February 6, the gang operating in a KCW 509Y Toyota Vitz and KCY 908K Toyota Sienta broke into a Toyota Prado belonging to Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) staffers, stealing Sh.700,000 ($7000) worth of valuables.
The Ministry of Education officers based in Nairobi had proceeded to the coastal region to undertake an assignment, making a stopover at 1st Avenue behind Nyali City Mall for breakfast.
Minutes later when they returned to their car, they found the car's left window vent glass broken, which the perpetrators used to gain entry and steal a professional camera valued at Sh500,000 ($5000), a Sh120,000($1200) laptop, hard disks, bags containing personal effects and documents among other valuables.
Cctv footage obtained captured the two suspicious vehicles parking at the front and rear sides of the victims' vehicle, before speeding off in a matter of seconds.
Police have since circulated the two motor vehicles, which are believed to be operating with fake registration plates.
Meanwhile, motorists are advised to be wary of these criminal trends, always securely locking and parking their vehicles at safe yards and/or having someone keep an eye on them.
“Check your vehicle whenever its alarm goes off may thwart an unauthorized ingress,” said the DCI.
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