KUCHING — A total of 10 individuals, including one local woman, have been arrested by the police for suspected involvement in a series of housebreaking and theft cases in Tabuan Jaya and Gita areas.
According to Kuching District Police Chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah, the suspects, aged between 18 and 50 years old, were arrested throughout February. Among them are nine men and one woman, all locals.
The first case led to the arrest of two local men linked to a housebreaking incident in Tabuan Jaya. The estimated losses from the case were around RM20,000.
During the arrest, police seized a blue Honda Wave Alpha motorcycle. Investigations revealed that both suspects have previous records related to drug offences. Initial urine tests also showed one of them tested positive for drugs.
The duo are suspected of being involved in two other housebreaking cases and two theft incidents, all under ongoing investigation. Police are probing the matter under Section 457 of the Penal Code, which carries a prison sentence of up to 14 years, and Section 379, which carries up to seven years imprisonment, fine, or both.
In the second case, two local men and a woman were arrested at Jalan Laman Cenderawasih for obstructing police duties and possessing dangerous weapons. Police also seized a Proton Saga with a fake registration plate and various burglary tools.
All three have previous criminal records, and urine tests found them positive for drugs. This case is being investigated under Section 186 of the Penal Code, with penalties including up to two years in jail or RM10,000 fine, and Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Dangerous Weapons Act 1958, which carries up to two years in jail and whipping.
The third operation saw the arrest of four local men in Gita. They were found with a homemade air rifle barrel, suspected stolen cables, and tools believed to be used for cable theft. Police also seized a Perodua Myvi.
All suspects in this case also have past criminal and drug records, with initial urine tests confirming they were positive for drugs. Police are investigating under Section 8 of the Arms Act 1960, which provides up to seven years jail, RM10,000 fine, or both.
ACP Mohd Farhan urged the public to share any information that could help prevent crime. Anyone with information can contact the Kuching Police Control Centre at 082-244444 or visit the nearest police station.
He also reminded the public not to buy suspected stolen goods such as electrical appliances or cut cables. Anyone aware of such illegal sales is urged to report to the police for further action. – Polis Daerah Kuching
