Kota Kinabalu: Four male suspects, including two Filipino nationals, believed to be involved in stealing cables belonging to a renowned telecommunications company here, were arrested in two separate raids.
City Police Chief, ACP Mohd Zaidi Abdullah said they received two reports from the company on Thursday and Friday with estimated losses of RM51,500.
“A Criminal Investigation Division team was deployed. Two local men in their 30s were arrested at about 5am on Thursday near a Telipok settlement area in Menggatal.
“Melted down silver and copper cables meant to be sold off were seized,” he said.
Mohd Zaidi said the suspects led police to the buyer of the stolen goods situated at an unnumbered house in Telipok.
“A Filipino who was an employee at the premises was later arrested. At around 12 noon the following day, another Filipino suspect was taken in from a bush near Jalan Kebajikan, Kota Kinabalu. However, another managed to escape. Also seized were several rolls of cut cables as well as several equipment,” he said in a statement.
“The Kota Kinabalu Police urged the community to continue to help the police in channelling information related to cable thefts so the criminals can be apprehended immediately.
“The police will not compromise with those involved, especially owners and operators of scrap metal premises who conspire with criminals by buying stolen cables to make a profit. The cables are controlled items,” he warned.
The case is being investigated under sections 431a and 379 of the Penal Code.
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