Police in Mombasa have uncovered a car theft ring that operated using a number plate swapping scheme across the coastal city and expanding countrywide.
Police stated that the suspects stuck printed plate papers over original number plates. This made it difficult to track the vehicles as the fake plates were reported during the crimes.
A witness near a hotel heard a car alarm and saw the thieves stealing personal items before they fled. After a distress call, officers responded with help from the public and traced the suspects.
The suspects fired two gunshots at approaching officers, who returned fire. This led to a high-speed chase ending in the suspects' arrest in a narrow slum street.
Police Commander Nicholas Chalulot said investigations are ongoing and urged the public to report suspicious activity. Several victims have identified their stolen property. Mombasa ranks as the second-highest vehicle theft hotspot after Nairobi, with over 1,000 cars stolen annually nationwide.
