At least 417 suspected stolen mobile phones were recovered in Nyeri and a 32-year-old man was arrested in connection with the theft.
The recovery and arrest followed interrogations on two young men earlier arrested by Nyeri detectives, after they were cornered while snatching mobile phones from shoppers in Gatitu, Nyeri, police said.
The two suspects were nabbed on November 1, 2023, before detectives proceeded to Gatitu shopping centre where their accomplice who operates a mobile phone repair shop was ambushed and the recoveries made.
They are likely to face various charges including robbery with violence.
Others will face charges for tampering with the mobile phones against the Communication Authority laws, police said.
Other items found stashed in his business space included two TV sets, three laptops, two cameras, 47 mobile subscriber sim cards, a HP printer among others.
These were all seized and kept as exhibits.
The Nyeri security command warned against a surge in pickpocketers who are mostly interested in smart phones but assures the public that whatever cartels are involved are on police radar and will soon face the full force of the law.
The operation which started in Nairobi has spread to other major towns where the crime is growing. Police say some of the stolen gadgets are usually tampered with and resold to unsuspecting buyers.
Others are sold to neighbouring countries for use.
Police have in the past arrested and charged some suspects with serious offences like robbery with violence and murder in such operations.
This was after it emerged the gadgets were violently robbed from the owners some of which led to deaths or serious injuries.
The operation is ongoing.
