KUCHING – A local homeowner’s innovative use of a GPS-equipped appliance helped law enforcement apprehend a suspected thief in under 24 hours, authorities confirmed.
The incident began in the early hours of August 11, when the homeowner discovered that a lawnmower, trimmer, and a seven-step ladder had been stolen from their property, according to the initial CCTV review. The theft came to light the next afternoon when the homeowner noticed the lawnmower missing.
Following the discovery, the homeowner filed a report at Batu Kawa Police Station and, after consulting with a friend, decided to rig a vacuum cleaner with a hidden GPS tracker as bait for a potential repeat offender.
In the early morning of August 14 around 2 a.m., the thief returned—and unwittingly swiped the GPS-fitted vacuum. The homeowner awoke at about 6:30 a.m. while preparing a child for school, checked the tracker’s coordinates, and saw the device was located at a residence in the Siniawan area.
The homeowner proceeded to Padawan City Police Station and, with help from an investigation officer and a task force, followed the tracker signal to Tongue Village. Teams conducted systematic checks—house to house, room to room—letting the GPS’s alarm guide them.
Police identified a suspect whose appearance matched CCTV footage—reflecting similarities in build, hairstyle, and clothing—then arrested him at the scene. The suspect cooperated, leading officers to the hidden vacuum cleaner, which was recovered.
Further investigations are ongoing to recover the remaining stolen items, namely the lawnmower and ladder. The homeowner has appealed to anyone who might have purchased these items in Siniawan, Batu Kitang, or neighbouring areas in the past two days to report or return them, as they may be subject to police inquiries.
