An investigation to track down a stolen mobile phone led police officers to a repair store along Kimathi Street in Nairobi County on Monday afternoon.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said that the phone was stolen in Kilimani led the officers to the shop where 42 suspected stolen mobile phones were found.

Matthew Gachago, 30, the owner of the shop was arrested and a verification exercise has already commenced to establish the owners of the phones.

The operation comes a week after a heightened crackdown led to the recovery of several mobile phones, laptops and tablets from repair stalls in parts of the city and its outskirts.

DCI said the crackdown prompted the upsurge in the theft of mobile phones from residents.

Over 240 suspected stolen mobile phones were confiscated and over 13 suspects arrested.

The investigative branch has urged residents to remain vigilant and be wary of purchasing second-hand phones and other electronics because they risk landing them on the wrong side of the law.