Three women were caught after they stole a laptop of man in a local restaurant in the CBD on Monday. The ladies were caught on CCTV cameras stealing and are believed to be frequenting local restaurants and robbing clients without their knowledge. One of them was featured on this broadcast a few months back as she stole in similar fashion at Al Yusra Hotel. Full story below:
Three women were caught on CCTV cameras stealing a laptop from a male customer at a local restaurant in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) earlier this week. The incident of women robbing hotel clients has sparked renewed concerns over a rising trend of organized petty theft. This targets unsuspecting diners in city establishments.
According to footage reviewed by the restaurant’s management and later shared with authorities, the women worked in a coordinated manner. This is yet another case demonstrating how women perpetrate robbing hotel clients. One distracted the victim while the others swiftly made away with his bag containing a laptop and personal items. The theft happened in under a minute. The victim was reportedly unaware until it was too late.
Security officials believe the suspects are part of a larger group of women who frequent restaurants and cafes in the CBD. They pose as customers while targeting patrons’ valuables. The trio is said to have visited the establishment before. They may have been surveying potential targets in previous visits.
“The CCTV clearly shows how calculated the operation was by women robbing hotel clients. They acted with speed and precision. It’s clear this wasn’t their first time,” said a restaurant staff member who spoke on condition of anonymity.
This incident mirrors a growing pattern in Nairobi where similar thefts, involving women robbing hotel clients, have been reported in recent months. In past cases, women—often well-dressed and appearing like regular customers—have been captured on security cameras stealing bags, phones, and laptops. This often happens when victims momentarily step away or are distracted.
In one widely publicized 2014 case, three women were arrested after CCTV footage showed them stealing a laptop from a man at Peach Restaurant along Moi Avenue. The acts of women robbing hotel clients continued in 2016 when another group of women was apprehended at a Domino’s Pizza outlet in the CBD after being caught in the act of pulling handbags from underneath tables.
Police have reiterated their warnings to business owners to remain vigilant. They urge investment in functional surveillance systems. They also urged the public to be cautious with personal belongings in public spaces.
“This trend has been going on for years in different variations,” said a Nairobi-based security analyst. “Criminals rely on public inattention, and in many cases, work in groups to distract and steal without confrontation.” Women robbing hotel customers have become a common sight as part of this issue.
Authorities are reviewing the footage for facial recognition and are calling on members of the public who may recognize the suspects to come forward. Meanwhile, the restaurant in question has increased its security presence and is advising customers to avoid leaving valuables unattended.
