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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
BULAWAYO police have recovered 109 cellphones and seven laptops stolen during unlawful entry and robbery crimes in the city. Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango said the property was recovered from second hand dealers who failed to account for the cellphones and laptops.

Insp Simango said they launched a blitz after realising that there was an increase in the theft of cellphones and laptops in the city.

“We launched an operation to try and recover the stolen goods.

“We then targeted second-hand dealers as we strongly believe that if someone steals they’ll want to dispose the gadgets. Second-hand dealers are their nearest customers,” said Insp Simango.

She said almost all the types of cellphones available on the market were recovered in the operation.

In terms of laptops, there were two Acer ones and an HP, Lenovo, Dell, and a Samsung.

Insp Simango urged members of the public who lost their property to visit Bulawayo Central Police Station to identify their assets.

“Those who were robbed should come and identify their property. They must be able to state the serial numbers of their gadgets,” said Insp Simango.

She warned people against buying stolen or unreceipted property as this may result in them losing their money.

“People must avoid buying from unregistered dealers. They must make sure they get receipts for the property they buy. Failure to do so may result, unfortunately, in them losing their property or being held as accomplices in theft.” she added.

Meanwhile, Insp Simango has warned business people to avoid keeping large sums of money at home.

She said safes at home have become targets for thieves.