Kota Kinabalu: Police have crippled a burglary gang responsible for multiple break-ins in the State Capital and surrounding areas, arresting four suspects and recovering stolen items, while one suspect remains at large.
Kota Kinabalu District Police Chief ACP Kasim Muda said the group was behind two burglaries in Luyang and Jalan Penampang on May 18, involving the theft of valuables worth about RM10,000.
“The first arrest led to the recovery of a hard disk, a crowbar believed to be used in the break-ins and clothing worn during the crimes,” he told a press conference at the Kota Kinabalu District Police Headquarters (IPD), Wednesday.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});He said subsequent raids based on public information resulted in the arrest of three accomplices, along with the seizure of smartphones and a Perodua Bezza used as a getaway vehicle.
Three of the suspects have prior criminal records and two tested positive for methamphetamine, while police continue probing links to other cases.
“Investigations are ongoing to determine their link to other cases in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Papar, Kudat and Sandakan.
“Police are also actively tracking down a fifth member of the gang known as ‘Pindil’,” he added.
He also warned the public about the surge in mobile phone thefts at business premises, particularly when devices are left unattended on counters or tables.
“Many of these cases are crimes of opportunity. People leave their phones on counters or dining tables while serving customers.
“We have opened over 100 cases this year alone,” Kasim said, urging business owners and workers to be more vigilant and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
He also addressed traffic offences, warning motorists against illegal parking around Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Aeropod and popular spots such as Tanjung Aru beach.
“Parking along roadsides or blocking traffic in restricted zones is an offence. We have been issuing warnings, but soon, stricter enforcement will begin,” he said.
He added that traffic personnel would be stationed in these areas during weekends and public holidays and advised the public to cooperate and be more mindful, noting that police resources are limited.
“We hope the community will do their part in supporting the police to maintain safety and order,” he said.
