Suspected thugs on Monday night broke into two M-Pesa and phone accessories shops in Kisumu CBD and stole cash and phones.
The owners said the suspected thugs used padlock cutters to access the shops located opposite Willis Lounge and next to Kenya Power Company office.
The affected shops are Andoli Investment and Damo Enterprise, along the Oginga Odinga Street. At Andoli shop, suspected thugs stole Sh370, 000 from his M-Pesa and phones worth more than Sh400,000.
Shop owner Victor Juma said more than 10 smartphones were stolen from his shop.
Juma, who also deals in phone accessories, said two M-Pesa phones used for transaction were stolen. Amongst the smartphones stolen are Infinix and Oppo.
At Damo Enterprise shop, the thugs stole more than Sh300, 000 (Mpesa) and several phones.
They also took away two M-Pesa phones meant for transactions. A worker at the shop, Agnes Buyuka, said more than eight phones were stolen.
At the scene, a padlock cutter and padlocks were found. Interestingly, the shops which were broken into are located opposite a club which operates throughout.
At the entrance of the shops, boda boda operators usually park as they wait for clients from the club.
Last year in December, a shop next to the two was broken into and all phones stolen.
County police commander Alphonse Kimathi visited the scene and promised a thorough investigation.
He said they have immediately launched an investigation into the incident. A team of police including the crime scene officers visited the scene for investigation.
Kimathi called on the business community to employ private security, saying security is a collective responsibility.
“Business owners need to ensure they have watchmen at their premises. This will help a lot in matters security,” he said.
He said security have been beefed up in the county.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
