KOTA KINABALU – Sabah police have apprehended 64 individuals suspected of belonging to seven criminal syndicates involved in a series of break-ins that specifically targeted luxurious houses with safety deposit boxes in various districts near here.
Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said the suspects were arrested in a coordinated operation codenamed Blackshadow launched in June this year in response to a slight uptick in house break-ins within the state.
From January to September this year, 1,028 break-in cases were reported, signifying a 3.52% rise by 35 cases from 993 cases over the same period of last year.
“Of the 64 suspects apprehended, 51 were local residents, while the remaining 13 were foreign nationals,” he said.
“Notably, these arrests also included individuals who were found to be buyers of stolen goods from the criminal activities.
“As a result, Sabah police have successfully dismantled seven criminal syndicates believed to be involved in these activities,” he told reporters here today.
The syndicates are identified as Kumpulan Boy Lembaga, Kumpulan Amekgay, Kumpulan Kanchil, Kumpulan Sultan, Kumpulan Along, Kumpulan Tumpong and Kumpulan Boy Penampang.
Jauteh said valuables valued at nearly RM1.2 million had also been recovered from the suspects.
These are believed to be from cases reported in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Papar, Sandakan, Ranau and several other districts.
According to him, these groups primarily targetted luxury homes believed to have safe boxes and they used rented or stolen motorcycles, often faking the vehicle registration numbers when executing their break-ins.
The case is now being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code which is related to house-trespass or housebreaking. The suspects face 14 years imprisonment if convicted.
Additionally, Jauteh said, police also opened up investigations under Section 6(1) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Section 15(1) (a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for immigration and drug-related offences.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant about incidents like these in their neighbourhoods, to install surveillance cameras, and to take safety measures to minimise the risk of house and safe box break-ins,” said Jauteh. – The Vibes, October 20, 2023
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