Police in Ruiru are holding two security guards following an attempted robbery at the Cooperative Bank in Githurai on Sunday night.
The two, 32-year-old Richard Amboya and 30-year-old John Mukanya, work for a local security firm and were on duty when the incident occurred.
Confirming the incident, Ruiru police boss James Ng’etich told Nation that the robbery attempt was foiled after a member of the public noticed the activities on the wall and informed the branch manager.
A similar activity was once done in Thika where the thieves drilled a hole into the bank and made away with a large sum of money. It is believed the two arrested were trying a repeat of the incident. The Thika bank robbery was a planned robbery which the suspects made away with more than sh. 52 million. However the circumstance under which the heist was executed still remain a mystery. Three people- two brothers and a friend – were charged with the theft.
Those who executed the plan appear to have learnt the tricks from ocean’s Eleven, an American movie that has inspired many criminals around the world.
“The unknown suspects were in the process of drilling a hole on the wall of the bank’s building when someone noticed the activities on the wall and alerted the manager who then called in the police,” said Ng’etich.
The police commander said nothing was stolen from the bank and that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Police suspect the drilling must have started on Saturday night. The process if the residents did not alert the police could have continued.
The police are linking the two cases where the suspects use different techniques to get through the bank and eventually get away with a lot of cash.
It is believed that the Githurai suspected were planning to use the same heist that was used by the Thika thief’s who made away with over sh. 52 million. They wanted to dig a tunnel and ferry different materials to help them execute their plans which have been cut short by the residents .
But constant break into the banks is linked to some of the bank workers who direct or tell the suspects were the money is kept and help them in the execution of the robbery.
The Thika robbery which is not far from Githurai raises a lot of questions how the distance and proximity of the incidence relate.
The police are still carrying out the investigation on the botched bank robbery where they are expected to question to two to establish the motive and how they planned to execute the plan.
The incidences places the banking sector especially those located in small towns at risk of loosing money and even attacks. Although they employ different police force to man the bank premises , a good policy must be derived to ensure the money is kept safe.
A crowbar , chisel and pliers were recovered at the scene of the crime. The two will face charges of attempted robbery and to be detained until the investigation is complete and the motive established.