MIRI, 19 April 2025 – A swift police operation led to the arrest of five individuals just hours after a daring gold theft at a jewellery shop on Jalan High Street here shocked the local business community.
The incident took place around 12 noon on Saturday when a couple, pretending to be regular customers, entered the shop and spent over 20 minutes surveying items. Unbeknownst to the shop staff, their true intentions were far from innocent. Seizing the right moment, they snatched two 916 gold chains weighing 18.8 grams – valued at approximately RM10,000 – and quickly fled the scene in a rented Perodua Aruz.
Acting quickly on the report, the Miri District Police Headquarters (IPD) Criminal Investigation Division teamed up with personnel from the Miri Central Police Station to track down the culprits. Less than four hours later, five suspects – including two women – were successfully arrested at multiple locations around the city, including a rented room on Jalan Kwang Tung.
Police disclosed that the suspects are aged between 30 and 50 years old, with four of them already having previous criminal records, including drug-related offences. During the arrest, authorities also confiscated RM2,000 in cash, the getaway vehicle, and obtained confirmation that the stolen jewellery had been sold to a nearby money changer.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which covers theft in buildings. All suspects are being remanded to facilitate further investigation.
Miri police also issued a stern reminder to business owners, particularly gold shop operators, to be more vigilant and to invest in better surveillance and security systems to prevent future incidents.
This case is a clear example of how quick action, teamwork, and efficient police work can lead to fast justice and protection of public interest. — Polis Daerah Miri
