Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has issued a call for public vigilance to combat cases of phone theft, urging citizens to remain cautious and responsible with their belongings at all times. The advisory comes after RIB successfully recovered 280 stolen phones valued at over Rwf62 million, and returned them to their rightful owners on Tuesday, December 17.

The stolen phones were retrieved following investigations and operations targeting suspected thieves, who were paraded on Tuesday alongside other detainees involved in alleged fraud and land scams.

Thierry Murangira, RIB Spokesperson, emphasized the need for heightened vigilance for the public, as many cases of theft resulted from carelessness or misplaced trust.

Murangira explained that thieves exploit carelessness in public places, where people often leave their devices exposed. Situations like placing phones unattended at weddings, in meeting rooms, or on tables create vulnerability to theft.

"Some people assume their surroundings are safe, but thieves are often observing and waiting for a moment to strike,” he said.

He further noted that phone thieves do not have a "particular look.” They may appear professional, respectable, or even elderly.

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Among the suspects apprehended was a 70-year-old man who played a key role in theft schemes. The man, Murangira explained, would distract shopkeepers by pretending to purchase items, giving his accomplices a chance to steal phones left in exposed areas. Even subtle tactics, such as asking shopkeepers for the time, could lead to theft if phones are retrieved and left unattended.

Thieves exploit trusted environments

Murangira highlighted that theft often occurs in trusted environments, such as churches or workshops, where unsuspecting people assume safety. "Thieves have no allegiance to any religion or group. They go wherever they can steal, and no public place is immune,” he warned.

Another recurring method involves motorcyclists. Thieves posing as taxi motorcyclists sometimes target passengers during payment exchanges. Murangira advised passengers to remain vigilant during such moments, pay before reaching their destination when possible, and avoid handing over phones for transactions.

"Some thieves ask for your phone to enter their mobile payment details, only to disappear immediately after you've given the phone to them,” he said, urging commuters to keep a safe distance and take note of the motorcycle’s registration plate, just in case.

Deception through job offers and car break-ins

Murangira also cautioned against falling prey to scams involving fake job offers. In such cases, victims are lured into private spaces, where scammers request to borrow phones under the guise of needing to make a call.

Similarly, leaving phones or valuables in parked cars makes owners vulnerable to break-ins, resulting in significant losses. "If a thief breaks into your car and steals a valuable item, you suffer a double loss. Avoid leaving items exposed,” he said.

Stories of recovery

Among the returned phones was one belonging to Prince Addison Kanneh, a Liberian national whose phone was stolen in May 2024. Kanneh reported the theft but admitted he had little hope of recovering it.

"I was told to provide the phone’s serial number, and though I didn’t expect much, I’m amazed to have my phone back. This is not common in my country,” he said.

Pascaline Uwamahoro, who lives in Kigali, recounted how her phone was snatched away while she was walking in the Kinyinya area. After reporting the case and providing her phone’s serial number, her device was also recovered. "I’ve learnt to stay alert and avoid exposing my phone unnecessarily while walking on the street,” she said.

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In addition to the phones, RIB recovered nearly Rwf10 million which had been stolen through fraudulent land sale orchestrated by a man and a woman posing as a married couple.

RIB also recovered $2,900 stolen from a foreign resident by his house help. Murangira emphasized that such cases underscored the importance of securing one's valuables, even in supposedly safe environments.

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Murangira reminded the public that anyone can fall prey to deception. "Thieves are opportunistic and will exploit carelessness. Everyone must take responsibility for their belongings and remain alert,” he said.