A section of residents from Kirinyaga county are calling for heightened security, following a spate of cattle theft in the area.

In the latest incident, one family is counting losses after thieves invaded their farm and stole cattle worth hundreds of thousands of shillings.

Speaking to Wananchi Reporting, Robert Waweru, said, “We were notified about the theft that happened when we were away and the cattle were traced to a site near a tea factory, where the thieves were slaughtering the animals.”

He continued, “Witnesses caught the thieves in the act and they scattered, leaving the carcasses.”

Waweru said the witnesses were able to capture the number plate of the vehicle the culprits fled with and filed a report with the police, awaiting investigations and a manhunt.

Locals called for police to enhance patrols, adding that cases of theft have been on the rise.

“We need the police to help maintain security in the area. Thieves know police are nowhere to be found and that is what is emboldening them to steal even more,” one resident said.

He continued, “Residents had organized themselves to be patrolling the area at night and we had seen cases of theft decline, however, we need the input of the police to make things work.”