Police in Mombasa have uncovered a car theft ring that was operating using a number plate swapping scheme in the coastal city and expanding countrywide.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

According to police, the suspects would stick printed plate papers over the original number plates, making it difficult for the vehicles to be tracked.

Investigators further revealed that, at the time of the crimes, it was the fake number plates that were being reported, complicating efforts to trace the vehicles.

Police added that this tactic has made it challenging to identify and track down members of the syndicate behind the theft ring.

📌 What You Need to Know

According to a witness close to the scene, they were alerted by a car alarm that went off near a hotel in the area.

“When I rushed to the scene, the thieves were stealing personal items from the vehicle and later fled the scene,” the witness stated.

After receiving a distress call, police swiftly responded to the scene, where, with assistance from members of the public, they were able to trace the suspected location of the thieves.

According to police, the suspects fired two gunshots upon noticing the officers approaching.

The officers returned fire, prompting the suspects to flee the scene, leading to a high-speed chase.

After a prolonged chase, police successfully arrested the suspects , who were cornered in a narrow street within the slum area before being taken into custody.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke