KUANTAN: Despite wearing a charm bracelet to evade the authorities, the long arm of the law caught up with the leader of a robber gang that targeted houses rented by university and college students here.
The male suspect, who is in his 30s, was nabbed on Sunday by a team from the district police headquarters.
Pahang Crime Investigation Department (CID) chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Othman Nayan said police found him acting suspiciously on Lorong Pandan Damai here.
He said the suspect is the leader of a group responsible for at least 24 robberies, house break-ins and vehicle thefts since January.
He said the man, who is from Kampung Sri Fajar, Jalan Gambang here, targeted female dormitories and houses inhabited by students throughout the district.
“Investigations found that all the houses that were broken into were inhabited by female students.
“The suspect usually committed the crimes in the wee hours of the morning when the victims were asleep.
“The suspect would brandish a parang to frighten his victims. He is also accused of molesting some of the victims” he said during a press conference here, today.
It is understood that the gang leader used a charm bracelet made from tiger claws, which is believed to protect its wearer from being detected by the authorities.
Following the man’s arrest, police also detained three of his accomplices, aged between 19 and 31, at Taman Tas here.
Othman said the robbers made off with a total of RM367,125 during their crime spree.
He added that police have recovered some of the stolen property, including vehicles, jewellery and mobile phones.
He said investigations revealed that the suspect is wanted for multiples cases of causing hurt, vehicle theft and drug-related offences.
Othman said his three accomplices also have criminal records.
“With the suspects’ arrest, we believe that we have solved 24 criminal cases, including 17 robberies, six vehicle thefts, and one forced entry in this district.
“We are still tracking down other members of the gang. The case is being investigated under Sections 392, 395 and 397 of the Penal Code,” he said.
He said urine tests showed that all the suspects tested positive for methamphetamine.
Othman also advised students, especially females, to rent homes at safe areas to avoid falling victim to robberies and house break-ins.