SIBU – Police have arrested three men believed to be active cable thieves in the district after catching them in the act along Jalan Salim last Saturday evening.
Sibu District Police Chief, ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, said the arrest took place at around 6.15pm during a routine patrol by officers from the Sibu Central Police Station.
“While patrolling the area, the police spotted three men acting suspiciously near a concrete drain. Upon closer inspection, they were found to be pulling cables from the drain channel,” he said in a statement today.
The suspects, aged between 28 and 34, were immediately apprehended. Police also discovered that all three have prior criminal records related to drug offences.
During the operation, officers seized several items believed to be linked to the cable theft activities. Among the items confiscated were a Proton Saga car, nine types of equipment suspected to have been used to cut and remove cables, 15 gunny sacks, and two face masks.
All three suspects have been remanded for four days, until 14 August, to assist in investigations under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft.
According to ACP Zulkipli, the arrests have helped solve at least five cases of cable theft reported in Sibu in recent weeks.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately to the police. “Public cooperation is crucial in curbing criminal activities such as cable theft, which can disrupt essential services and cause losses to utility companies,” he added.
Cable theft is a recurring problem in various parts of the country, often leading to disruptions in electricity, internet, and telephone services. Authorities continue to step up patrols and enforcement efforts to combat the issue. – PDRM
