Criminals are now placing syringes on seats in a bid to drug passengers and then steal from them.
Kenya Bus issued a stern warning about this on Wednesday after finding one on a seat.
"New crime alert in buses. Share with your friend. Look before you seat, please," read the alert shared on social media.
The bus company circulated the photo after one Lee Elly
posted it on a group known as
Matatu Galore.
In most cases, the substances in the syringes cause victims to be drowsy or unconscious for considerable time periods.
The effects are almost immediate and those affected usually have no recollection of what transpired and take time to recognise their surroundings.
The criminals alight before the victims regain consciousness.
Criminals have used this and many other tricks to rob many people in Nairobi and its environs.
Some victims are approached on streets while in some cases, the criminals drop money and ask their targets to pick it for them.
As this happens, items such as phones and wallets are stolen. Most victims are shocked by the quickness of the acts.
Related:
Safety options
- Besides checking seats in public service vehicles, do not take a nap as this makes theft easier.
- Place your wallet or your purse in a front pocket and carry a purse with a strong secure strap.
- Do not be easily swayed by strangers who ask you to pick up money for them.
- Beware of passengers who frequently change their positions
- Never trust people who borrow your phone to ‘flash’ others
- Do not use your phone in a PSV or guard it if you must.
- Switch your phone off until you get home