Syokimau residents were alarmed by the spate of robberies targeting private homes, with suspects accused of orchestrating their raids in the dead of night.
On Monday, June 19, CCTV cameras captured a gang of three individuals as they broke into multiple houses, stealing valuable items of an undisclosed value and instilling fear in the unsuspecting victims.
In a well-crafted scheme, the trio first targeted a vehicle parked outside a residential property, swiftly seizing the opportunity to steal the valuables left unattended in the car.
The CCTV footage showed the robbers approaching the home calmly while executing their mission, unperturbed by their surroundings. In a separate incident, a suspect forced his way into a house and walked away with a television set, among other household items.
These separate incidents raised concerns about the safety of the residents and their property. Speculations on landlords and security guards colluding with the gangs were rife as a section of Kenyans claimed that the robberies may have been inside jobs.
Victims appealed to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to expedite the investigations and apprehend the daring suspects.
"Syokimau homeowners need to take extra precautions and invest in security systems to protect their families. Stay vigilant!"
"Property robbery leaves victims feeling vulnerable and unsafe in their own homes. Let's prioritise home security, neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement to create safer environments for everyone."
"Syokimau Police Station should act fast and apprehend the culprits of the criminal activity before they flee," read some comments.
Others urged the National Police Service (NPS) to deploy more police officers to tighten the security within the estates while others expressed concerns over their children's safety.
"The locals of Syokimau are calling the government to help them weed out the criminals."
"Home invasions can escalate to violence if the intruder bumps into the homeowner or other occupants. This can result in physical injuries or even fatalities," others urged.
In November 2022, the National Police Service (NPS) issued a cautionary statement regarding a rise in criminal activities targeting pedestrians, businesses, and residential areas. This alarming trend had led to incidents of muggings, carjackings, assaults, and even fatalities.
The police advised Kenyans against using mobile phones and laptops in traffic, to avoid carrying ATM cards and desist from leaving bags, wallets, or any valuable items in their cars.
