One person has been arrested after police recovered 188 mobile phones and seven laptops in Mlolongo, Machakos County. 

The seized mobile phones and laptops are of various makes.

Athi River East Sub-County Police Commander John Owuoth said the consignment was recovered during a police swoop in Mlolongo Phase 3 estate on Tuesday by officers from Mlolongo Police Station.

Owuoth said they suspect the recovered mobile phones and laptops had been stolen from their owners.

"Today, officers from this police station conducted operations within Mlolongo Phase 3. This was after lots of complaints were made at the station about snatching of phones in Mlolongo and its environs," Owuoth said.

He addressed reporters at Mlolongo Police Station shortly after the arrest and recoveries, flanked by Mlolongo OCS Eric Gwaro among other officers.

The suspect was locked up in lawful custody awaiting arraignment.

"We are still doing investigations and the suspect will be arraigned in court anytime after tomorrow. We will continue with our operations to reduce crime to the minimum," Owuoth said.

"There are lots of reported cases of phone theft and snatching within our sub-county. I call on those who have lost their mobile phones and laptops to come to Mlolongo Police Station and check if they are among those recovered."

The police boss said owners of the recovered items would get them back once verified.

"We will give the phones and laptops to the owners as they assist us with investigations," he said.

Owuoth encouraged members of the public to report whenever they are robbed of their mobile phones and other personal effects.

He warned those trading in stolen property.

"Some use the stolen items as security to get money from shylocks. That's wrong. One day, you will receive a phone from somebody who has been murdered. You will be charged with murder or robbery with violence. Let's be alert to avoid buying phones from second-hand dealers or people who aren't operating licensed businesses. You should be issued with receipts for the phones you buy," Owuoth said.

The seizure came a day after police seized counterfeit second-generation alcohol in the same Mlolongo Phase 3 on Monday.

Owuoth said the operation was conducted by a multi-agency team comprising officers from the Kenya Police Service, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and NGAO.

A 42-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly being in possession of counterfeit goods - 2,223 bottles of assorted counterfeit brands of 250ml each.

KRA officials confirmed the goods to be counterfeit.

"KRA has taken over. They are prosecuting and investigating further. People should desist from trading in illegal business," Owuoth said.

He cautioned Kenyans against drinking cheap liquor, saying it is illicit, harmful and can lead to deaths.