Kota Kinabalu: Police busted a vehicle rim theft syndicate known as the “Andy Gang”, arresting four local men and solving 10 theft cases involving stolen vehicle rims worth about RM20,000.
Acting Kota Kinabalu Police Chief Supt Syed Lot Syed Ab Rahman said police seized 23 stolen vehicle rims, a Perodua Myvi believed to have been used by the syndicate, tools used to remove the rims, and payment receipts linked to the crimes.
The suspects, aged between 30 and 38, were arrested during a series of raids in Putatan, Penampang and Papar on July 30 and 31.
A fourth suspect, believed to be the buyer of the stolen rims, was arrested at a metal storage premises in Kampung Buit Hill, Penampang.
Syed Lot said the arrests solved 10 vehicle rim theft cases reported in Tanjung Aru, Luyang, Inanam, Karambunai and Manggatal.
All four suspects have previous criminal and drug-related records and have been remanded for four days to assist investigations under Section 379A(1) of the Penal Code.
In a separate case, police also solved a house break-in in Likas involving the theft of three branded watches worth about RM40,000.
Three suspects were arrested in Tuaran and Kota Kinabalu, leading to the recovery of a Rolex and a Tissot watch valued at about RM30,000.
