KUCHING: Police have arrested four men for allegedly stealing telecommunication cables around the city.
In a statement acting Kuching police chief Supt Merbin Lisa said the local suspects were picked up at two separate locations last Friday (July 28).
“The first arrest happened around 6am and it involved three suspects near the entry route to Satok bridge from Gita.
“Meanwhile, the second arrest involving the fourth suspect happened around 5.35pm around Jalan Wan Alwi area.
“Also seized from them was a Proton Saga car, a Modenas motorcycle, six rolls of cable as well as equipment used to steal cables such as a machete, a hoof trimmer, a large size cutter and others,” he said.
Background checks found that the suspects aged between 20 and 30, had several prior criminal records.
All of them, who tested positive for drugs, were also involved in substance abuse activities.
Merbin stated that the suspects are in remand custody until Aug 1 to facilitate investigations under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum seven-year prison sentence and fine, if convicted.
In this regard, he called on the public not to conspire in buying or helping dispose of stolen goods and if found to be involved, action can be taken under Section 414 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years and a fine.
The public is encouraged to channel any crime-related information to the Kuching police operations room at 082-244444 or to any of the nearest police stations.
