Four arrested over theft as police recover 115 phones in Masindi
He says the suspects were also found with master keys and equipment allegedly used to break into premises.
Masindi: Police in Masindi District have arrested four people suspected of stealing and robbing smartphones in Masindi Municipality and recovered 115 smartphones.
The suspects, who are in their mid-20s, were arrested on Wednesday and detained at Masindi Central Police Station after they were allegedly found in possession of stolen phones.
One of the suspects, identified as Ivan Tumusiime, reportedly told police that he joined the group in June this year and was trained by colleagues who recruited him.
Tumusiime allegedly told police that the group targeted different parts of Masindi Municipality, mainly at night between midnight and 1 a.m.
He also reportedly said the stolen phones were sold to Luke Phone Repair in Kijura Trading Centre for between 60,000 and 70,000 shillings, depending on the brand.
Fred Byaruhanga, the LC1 Chairperson of Kijura Central Cell, says residents have been grappling with smartphone theft, with some stolen phones allegedly ending up in the hands of phone mechanics.
Byaruhanga says some of the recovered phones still had national identity cards in their covers.
“Some of the recovered phones still have national identity cards in their covers. We appeal to people who lost their phones to come to police and identify them,” Byaruhanga said.
He also urged young people to seek lawful means of earning a living instead of engaging in theft.
Solomon Mugisa, the Albertine North Regional Community Liaison Officer and Acting Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed the arrests.
Mugisa says Tumusiime, whom he described as a key suspect, led police to Luke Phone Repair in Kijura, where the 115 smartphones were recovered.
“The key suspect led police to a phone repair shop in Kijura, where we recovered 115 smartphones,” Mugisa said.
He says the suspects were also found with master keys and equipment allegedly used to break into premises.
Mugisa says police have withheld details about other suspects in order not to jeopardise the ongoing investigations.
He says once investigations are complete, the suspects will be produced before court.
“After completing investigations, we shall take the suspects to court,” Mugisa said.
He has appealed to people who lost their phones to report to police, record statements and cooperate with investigators as witnesses.
Mugisa says such cooperation will help police strengthen investigations and curb smartphone theft in Masindi Municipality.
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