Three women on Thursday were arrested in Kikuyu as they attempted to shoplift at Utawa Supermarket in Kikuyu town.
The supermarket’s manager Mr Richard Kilonzo said the three walked into the supermarket at the same time. He said one of them had a baby strapped to her back.
Kilonzo explained that the three tried to hide lotions, soaps and other items they had stolen inside their undergarments. However the cctv cameras were able to spot them as they tried to hide the goods and that's when security officers in the supermarket stopped them.
"Since the Kikuyu Police Station is about 400 metres away, I sent one of my supermarket attendants to report the matter to the police as we held them inside the supermarket for them to be picked," said Kilonzo.
Kikuyu OCPD Mr Mutune Maweu said that cases of shoplifting had increased in the area adding that most of those who are involved in this criminal act are from other areas and not Kikuyu town.
He noted that the three women come from Gitaru. The police boss said that this crime is mostly performed by women. He noted that most supermarkets have cctv cameras and are therefore able to spot these criminals.
"This is the third incident in a period of three weeks. The women are in police custody and they will be taken to court tomorrow. Howeve,r I want to sound a stern warning to residents who have this behaviour to stop as it is a criminal offense," said Maweu.
He said most residents assumed that theft of such small things is a minor case before a court of law. He warned them and said that theft of any item be it small or big is considered a serious crime.