KUCHING: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) managed to cripple a shop burglary and theft syndicate which is active around Kuching and Padawan areas.
Sarawak Deputy Commissioner of Police Datuk Fisol Salleh said the syndicate has been active since the middle of the year.
“With the arrest of four men including the mastermind, nine break-in and theft cases — eight in Kuching and one in Padawan — have been solved.
“The team also managed to recover stolen items worth RM23,000 from the syndicate.
“The items include seven motorcycle rims, two swingarms, two master brake pumps, two exhaust pipes, a racing block, a racing footrest, two phones, five hair scissors, two hair shavers and a razor,” he said in a press conference at the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters (IPK) today.
Investigations found that two of the four men are working as security guards in a private company, while the others are unemployed.
Meanwhile, background checks found three of them had past records related to drugs, break-ins and theft.
Fisol said that all of them, aged between 19 and 40 years old, will be remanded until today and efforts to track down four more accomplices as well as stolen items are in full swing.
“Their modus operandi was driving to their targeted spot via a rented car. Three of them will then break into the premises and one will be on the lookout.
“The syndicate only takes three to five minutes to steal the items and flee the scene,” he said.
The case will be investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code which provides for imprisonment of up to 14 years and whipping.
Fisol appealed to the community to channel any crime-related information to the police via the hotline at 082-240800.
Also present at the press conference was Sarawak CID chief SAC Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali.
