KUCHING: Police managed to cripple five vehicle theft syndicates this year, with most of the members being foreigners.
The latest syndicate was ‘Geng Oscar’, which was busted on July 17, in an operation codenamed Ops Lejang Khas.
Kuching OCPD ACP Ahsmon Bajah said a special team arrested five foreign men aged between 24 and 32.
Four motorcycles were recovered and several equipment used to commit the crime were seized.
“Investigation found that the syndicate have been active since March this year and targets Yamaha motorcycles, Proton Wira cars and Toyota Hilux pick-ups, which have a high demand in the neighbouring country.
“They would steal these vehicles and dispose of the parts or sell them to the neighbouring country.”
ACP Ahsmon added that the leader of the gang was charged under Section 411 of the Penal Code and sentenced to eight months in jail while, the rest were charged under Section 414 of the Penal Code and sentenced to six months in jail.
In addition, all five suspects are also charged under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for not possessing any valid travel documents.
“There are still cases (of vehicle thefts) in Kuching.
“Hence, we urged the community to channel information related to theft activities to the police (082-241 133) as well as increase their vehicle’s security measures by getting extra locks,” ACP Ahsmon advised.
