MIRI: He didn’t think about his own safety when cook John Zai went after a snatch thieve on the morning of Sept 12.
He manged to catch the fleeing thief and handed him over to the police.
For his civic consciousness and brave deed, John, 36, received a certificate of appreciation from Miri police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu during the divisional police headquarters monthly assembly here, today (Sept 21).
He was among 14 persons, the rest being policemen of various ranks, who were awarded certificates of appreciation for their part in solving crimes.
Also present during the assembly was Alexson’s deputy, Supt Mohd Sabri Zainol.
On Sept 12, around 11am, John was at the back end of an eatery at Taman Tunku when he heard his mother screaming. A snatch attempt occurred inside the eatery and the victim was his mother’s friend.
“I was in the kitchen section when I heard my mom screaming for help … without wasting any time, I came out and saw a guy running away and gave chase.
“Within minutes I caught up with the suspect and made a citizen’s arrest,” he told the New Sarawak Tribune after receiving his certificate.
John said he later handed over the snatch thief suspect to the cops.
Meanwhile, Alexson said the division’s crime index for the first eight months of this year recorded a 51 per cent decline compared to the corresponding period last year.
He said 157 property cases were reported compared to 342 for the same period in 2021.
On gambling offences, he said 206 raids were carried out under Ops Dadu.
He said power supply to these premises was cut off and those arrested were charged in court.
On the approaching 15th general election, widely speculated to be held before year end, Alexson said police are ready to ensure security on polling day.
“We do not have the election date yet, nevertheless it is important we are prepared,” he said.
