Thika police on the hunt for gang snatching handbags

Police in Thika town, Kiambu County, have launched a manhunt for a suspected gang of motorists riding in groups of three and snatching handbags from unsuspecting women.

This was after one such suspected thief had his motorcycle set ablaze by an angry mob on Tuesday morning after he allegedly attempted to snatch a woman’s handbag.

Confirming the incident, Thika Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Paul Kiriki said the suspect, who was riding alone during the incident, fell off his motorcycle when he attempted to steal from the woman.

Mr. Kiriki added that the unidentified man got up and fled on foot when locals started screaming thereby attracting attention from passersby who set his motorbike ablaze.

He also revealed that police had information about other groups of motorists riding in groups and committing similar crimes in the area.

The police boss stated that the most affected areas were Thika sections 2 and 9, further promising that his officers were on high alert and are in pursuit of the suspects.