DCI sounds alarm over spike in motor vehicle theft

A photo showing car theft

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has recorded a sharp increase in motor vehicle theft cases across Kenya since the start of the year.

The DCI says this worrying trend has led to significant financial losses for vehicle owners and negatively affected the economy through a surge in insurance claims and non-performing loans from financial institutions.

Criminals have been using various methods to execute these thefts, the DCI said.

They include stealing vehicles from parking lots, exploiting car hire services, engaging in robbery with violence and  carjacking.

To contain the situation, DCI boss Mohamed Amin said the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) launched a coordinated research and enforcement operation to disrupt and dismantle the criminal syndicates behind the incidents.

He said the operation focused on high-risk counties such as Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Embu, Machakos, Kajiado, Nairobi, Kisumu, Kakamega, Busia, and Bungoma.

"Collaborating with the DCI Headquarters’ Operations Action Team (OAT), the team arrested 28 suspects involved in motor vehicle theft and recovered 22 stolen vehicles," Amin said.

He said many of the recovered vehicles had already been sold to unsuspecting buyers within Kenya or smuggled across the border, particularly into Uganda and Tanzania.

"All suspects have been arraigned in various courts across the country to face charges related to vehicle theft, fraud, and related offences," the DCI boss said.

To help combat motor vehicle theft, the DCI bossn called on members of the public to Install reliable anti-theft devices, park in secure locations, verify vehicle documents and credentials of car hire clients.

Amin said the National Police Service remains committed to eradicating motor vehicle theft and protecting the safety of all Kenyans.

He said they have enhanced intelligence-gathering efforts and are collaborating with regional partners to curb cross-border movement of stolen vehicles.

 The DCI asked the public to collaborate with the service to bolster crime prevention effort and assist in the apprehension of suspects and recovery of stolen vehicles.

"The public is encouraged to cooperate by providing timely information to assist in apprehending criminals and recovering stolen property by contacting the nearest police station or use our toll-free lines: 999, 112, or #FichuaKwaDCIU (0800-722-203)."