SIX suspects, including five men and one woman, were apprehended within hours of a violent handbag snatch in Section 7 here on Monday, in a swift police operation that followed a knife-wielding robbery earlier that morning.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Ramsay Embol said the victim, an Indonesian woman, was walking alone along a lane near Jalan Plumbum at 5.30am when a group of unidentified men approached and forcibly snatched her handbag before fleeing the scene.
“The victim was walking alone to dispose of rubbish when she was approached by a group of suspects who grabbed her handbag before fleeing,” Ramsay said.
Police received the report at 2.19pm on February 16 and immediately launched an investigation. A team from the Shah Alam Criminal Investigation Division conducted targeted operations, successfully locating and detaining the six suspects, all Malaysian nationals, by 9pm the same day.
“The suspects were detained, along with the vehicle believed to have been used in the crime, to assist investigations,” Ramsay added.
The case is being investigated under Sections 395 and 397 of the Penal Code for gang robbery and robbery with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt. Convictions under these provisions carry a potential jail term of up to 20 years and whipping.
Authorities have urged members of the public with further information to contact the investigating officer, Inspector Mohamad Sabri Abd Rani, at 017-2892628.
The rapid arrests underscore Shah Alam police’s commitment to prompt response and public safety, particularly in cases involving armed offenders targeting unsuspecting pedestrians. - February 19, 2026
