Police in Kirehe District are holding eight people in connection with burglary.

The suspected burglars broke into two shops in Kamombo Cell of Mahama Sector last Thursday at about 4am, stealing varied items including bicycles, mattresses and radio receivers, among others.

Police recovered the stolen items and arrested all suspects.

Inspector of Police (IP) Emmanuel Kayigi, Police spokesperson for the Eastern Province, said Police worked with area residents and local leaders in investigations leading to the arrests.

"Residents identified one suspect in the neighbourhood only identified as Mbutoyurukundo and when Police officers went to his house on Saturday, they found all the stolen items hidden in his house,” IP Kayigi said.

"Mbutoyurukundo also cooperated with the officers and named other seven accomplices, who were also arrested later,” he added.

All the suspects are currently detained at Mahama Police Station as investigations continue.

"No one can commit a crime and go away with it; the public has learnt the meaning and significance of community policing and the existing strong bond between them and police almost leaves no room for wrongdoers to escape justice,” he noted.

IP Kayigi, however, said that house break-ins are rare in the Eastern region.

Aderite Hakizamungu, the executive secretary of Mahama Sector, also said that they had not experienced any case of house break-in, at least in the past one year.

"Most thefts we encounter are related to domestic animals like goats and hens, but also not so common.

Residents are so keen on fighting such crimes and that is why it’s even possible to identify those who indulge in any unlawful acts,” Hakizamungu said.

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