MIRI – Two local men have been taken into custody and remanded following the alleged theft of cooking gas cylinders from a food stall in the Lutong area. The swift arrest came after investigators utilised closed-circuit television footage and intelligence gathering to track down the suspects within hours of the incident being reported to authorities.
The Miri District Police Headquarters received a formal report regarding the theft at 12.11 pm on 6 August 2026. The complainant, who operates a food stall at Pantai Tanjung Lobang, discovered that two units of gas barrels had been stolen earlier that morning. The incident is believed to have occurred at approximately 8.04 am whilst the premises were temporarily unattended.
Security camera recordings installed at the scene captured the entire sequence of events, providing crucial evidence for investigators. The footage showed two male suspects approaching the stall and deliberately damaging a padlock securing an iron chain around the gas cylinders. After breaking the lock, the pair loaded the stolen items into a vehicle and departed from the location before anyone could intervene.
The theft resulted in an estimated financial loss of RM500 for the business owner. However, the availability of clear visual evidence significantly accelerated the investigative process. Officers from the Criminal Investigation Division immediately began analysing the footage and conducting field inquiries to identify and locate the individuals responsible.
Acting on information obtained through these intelligence efforts, a team of detectives successfully apprehended two local men aged 29 and 37 in the Taman Tunku area later that same afternoon. The arrests took place at approximately 4.20 pm, less than eight hours after the crime was committed. This rapid response demonstrated effective coordination between surveillance analysis and ground operations.
During the arrest, police recovered both stolen gas cylinders which had already been sold to a shop located along Jalan Lusut Lambir for RM200. Investigators also seized clothing worn by the suspects during the offence as well as the vehicle used to transport the stolen property. These items will serve as physical evidence in the ongoing investigation and potential prosecution.
Both suspects are currently being held at the Miri Central Police Station lockup under a three-day remand order that expires on 10 August 2026. This detention period allows investigators to complete interviews, verify alibis, and gather additional evidence necessary for case preparation. The remand was granted by the court to facilitate thorough examination of all circumstances surrounding the alleged crime.
Authorities are investigating the case under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which covers theft offences. Upon conviction, this provision carries a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment, a fine, or both. The severity of the potential sentence reflects the legal system’s stance against property crimes that affect small businesses and livelihoods.
Police officials expressed appreciation for public vigilance and cooperation in reporting crimes promptly regardless of time or location. Early reporting combined with technological aids such as CCTV systems proves instrumental in achieving successful outcomes. Such collaborative efforts between communities and law enforcement enhance overall safety and deterrence capabilities.
Business owners in the area are encouraged to review security measures and consider upgrading surveillance equipment where feasible. Visible cameras and robust locking mechanisms can serve as effective deterrents against opportunistic thefts. Regular checks of security systems ensure they remain functional and capable of capturing usable evidence when needed.
The Miri District Police Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining public safety and order through proactive enforcement and community engagement. Continued patrols and targeted operations aim to prevent similar incidents and reassure residents that criminal activities will be met with decisive action. Public confidence remains central to effective policing strategies across the district.
