Residents of Kisii town have expressed their concern over the alleged rampant pick pocketing and theft-related cases along the streets of the South Nyanza town.
According to some of the victims, the pick pockets have succeeded to execute their plans, especially during market days or during traffic jams that have recently become a norm in the region.
Walter Kombo, who recently lost his mobile phone and other valuables, blamed increasing human population on the vice and downplays efforts put by the police to curb the crime.
“I lost a brand new mobile phone recently and I think this is due to exponential population in town. The number has increased and we normally squeeze to get to our destinations as fast as possible,” he said.
Women have been targets of the crime with a number of them admitting to have at least lost a valuable to the criminals in different incidents.
“I lost my hand bag with Sh30,000 after withdrawing the cash from Cooperative Bank recently. I think they (pick pockets) get advantage during the crowded market days at Daraja Mbili when the town is full of traffic,” said Stellah Mwangi.
Area police boss Tom Mutisya said that the public has to be extremely cautious when transacting business in town following the increased cases of pick pocketing.
“The vice has been on the increase since we have recorded many incidents which are being investigated. It is not only the duty of the police but a collective responsibility of everyone. We must be cautious when traversing town because they have even started focusing on supermarkets,” he said.