The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Thursday, December 10, opened a toll free Hotline Centre.
James Duddridge, Minister for Africa at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office officially opened the free-to-call, confidential crime reporting hotline alongside DCI George Kinoti.
DCI Kinoti launched 0800722203 as the toll-free number that Kenyans will use to report crimes. This will help in ensuring crimes are brought to the attention of DCI immediately.
The 2018 Annual Crime Report released by the National Police Service listed Nairobi as the murder capital with 235 homicides, followed by Nakuru 171, Kiambu 142, Meru 139, Kilifi 125, Machakos 109, Kisii 108 and Murang’a 100.
‘’Street crime is a serious problem particularly in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Meru and other large cities. The most street crime involves multiple armed assailants. In some instances, large crowds of street criminals incite criminal activity, which has the potential to escalate into mob violence with little notice,’’ read an excerpt of the report.
In Nairobi, victims have highlighted the Kenya National Archives and KenCom Bus Station, along River Road, Kimathi Street, Ngara and parts of Pangani as some of the most dangerous spots.
Bus stop areas have also been identified as some of the hotspots as gang members take advantage of the congestion to steal from unsuspecting people.
When using the toll-free number, the anonymity of the caller will be 100% ensured. Only authorized personnel will have the access to the information given and will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
Kenyans are urged to use this service in ensuring timely reporting of criminal activities so that suspected criminals are arrested, arraigned in court and prosecuted.
Families and communities are often the worst impacted when crimes go unreported, Duddridge wrote on his Twitter account urging Kenyans to report crimes around them.
The DCI crime-stopper centre will ensure that crimes of opportunity such as pickpockets and thieves who often carry out snatch-and-grab attacks in crowded areas are reported immediately and this will contribute greatly to minimizing such crimes.
