Rwanda National Police

Combined efforts against theft in the City of Kigali recovered about stolen items over the last eight months, majority electronics, according to Rwanda National Police (RNP) records.

The recovered stolen items in 54 different types include laptops and desktop computers, television sets, smart-phones, home theaters and speakers, and Ipads.

Also recovered are projectors, printers and eight motorcycles.

Majority of the victims, who were victims of theft, received their recovered items, said Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Theos Badege, the Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson.

Among them are two internet cafes at Gisementi in Remera where thieves stole at least 46 computers, which were all recovered, suspects arrested and currently serving their sentences in prison after they were convicted.

“Although cases of theft were generally not alarming, the overall approach is to have no crime or limit them to the lowest level possible,” said the spokesperson.

“When cases of theft became rampant, the police approached it with a different or in an improved way, by establishing a crackdown unit, mapping out prone areas, dismantling black markets that were buying stolen items, but also further building strong partnership with the people which facilitated information sharing on suspected thieves and illegal stores,” he explained.

This set up, according to police records, has lessened theft to an average of two case per day compared to at least five cases previously.

The success in deterrence, recovery and arrests, he further said, are largely due to timely reporting of victims, which facilitates timely response, strengthened police operations and community night patrols, and increased sensitization, among others.

“In some cases, victims report after a day or two or even after a week while others don’t even report. In other challenging situations, some alleged victims have no proof of ownership, be it a receipt or even a mark to prove ownership. That’s why we still have some of the recovered items in store.”

He advised people to buy from recognized shops, keep receipts and always report immediately when they lose anything or are robbed.

In addition to police efforts, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Johnston Busingye, while presiding over the pass-out of graduands of the Police Basic Course , last week, said that the government is reviewing and repealing criminals laws to provide higher penalties to culprits and anyone who repeats a crime.