The New Imenti North Sub County Police Commander, Hassan Bashir Addresses the Press. Photo by Brian Gitonga
Officers target early morning mugging zones and illicit brew networks as Imenti North’s new commander moves to reclaim the streets
By Brian Gitonga
Police in Imenti North have intensified patrols across parts of Meru Town identified as mugging hotspots, deploying officers at the specific hours when criminals are most likely to strike as part of a coordinated crackdown on petty crime.
Hassan Bashir, the newly appointed Imenti North Sub-County Police Commander, said the operation brings together officers from the petty crime unit, the anti-crime team and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. Speaking at a press briefing at Meru Police Station yesterday, Bashir said police had mapped the areas most frequently reported by residents and traders and established clear patterns in how and when attacks occur.
Mikinduri stage, the main bus stage, Makaburini and Thimangiri have been identified as areas of particular concern. “After sitting down with my officers, we established that these thieves normally operate in the early morning, between 5am and 6am,” Bashir said.
The attacks, he added, do not follow a daily pattern but intensify on market days, when larger numbers of people enter the town. Gakoromone Market — one of the largest in Imenti North — draws traders and customers from across the region three times a week, and those arriving before daylight have been among the most frequent targets. “Since I sat down with my officers, we have managed to reduce the number of these attacks,” Bashir said.
No mugging incidents have been reported since the beginning of the week, which the commander attributed to increased officer presence on the ground and a clearer understanding of both the locations and the timing of attacks. Muggers have primarily targeted passengers as they alight from vehicles in the early morning hours, though similar incidents had previously been recorded in the evenings before police stepped up their presence.
Officers have also profiled several youths suspected of involvement in the crimes, including individuals with previous convictions for similar offences. Bashir said some repeat offenders had returned to criminal activity after their release, prompting police to intensify surveillance in areas where they were believed to be operating. “We have profiled several youths known for these offences, some of whom have previous convictions,” he said.
Beyond petty crime, the new commander has turned his attention to illicit alcohol. Parts of Majengo and Nthimbiri are under active scrutiny, with officers investigating both the production and supply of illegal brews in the area. “We have mapped some places around Majengo and Nthimbiri and are following up to establish whether the illicit brew is being produced there or brought in from elsewhere,” Bashir said. Police are also profiling individuals suspected of involvement in second-generation alcoholic drinks as part of the same operation.
Bashir said anyone found to be involved in either petty crime or illicit alcohol would be arrested and prosecuted, and that operations across Imenti North would continue.
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