ALOR STAR: Kedah police have arrested a serial lone armed robber responsible for numerous gold shop heists across Kedah, Perlis, and Penang since 2009, last Tuesday.
The 54-year-old male suspect was arrested following investigations over his latest robbery at a gold shop on Jalan Langgar here on Dec 3.
Kedah deputy police chief Datuk Abu Samah Mohd Noor said that the suspect used a pump-action shotgun and an axe during the robbery, smashing display cabinets and fleeing with two trays containing 32 gold chains.
"However, no shots were fired during the incident, and estimated losses are around RM178,000. The investigation was conducted under Section 4 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 (Act 37).
"If convicted, the offender could face life imprisonment and up to six strokes of the cane," he said during a press conference at the state police contingent headquarters here today.
Abu Samah said the suspect is believed to have been involved in robberies in Simpang Empat in 2009 and Arau in Perlis (2019).
In Kedah, the incidents occurred in Changlun (2015), Sungai Petani (2018), and Alor Setar (2019), while in Penang in 2015.
"Investigations also revealed the suspect's prior involvement in organised crime, but he currently runs a gazebo business while continuing his gold shop robbery activities," he added.
Following the arrest, police seized a shotgun, two pistols, 104 rounds of 9mm bullets, 32 rounds of 12-gauge shotgun pellets, an axe handle, a gold melting machine, and two iron moulds.
"The firearms were found during the raid at the suspect's residence, and authorities believe they were used in robberies dating back to 2009.
"Additionally, a Proton Wira was seized along with RM5,500 in cash to aid the investigation," Abu Samah added.
In connection with the incident, he said police arrested two more male suspects, aged 52 and 54, in Perai and Georgetown in Penang.
"The armed robber is believed to have predominantly conducted solo gold shop robberies. The two other suspects are believed to be buyers of gold stolen by the armed robber.
"With the detention of all three suspects, we have successfully resolved seven armed robbery cases targeting gold shops in Kedah and Perlis," he added.
Abu Samah said that all three suspects are currently remanded until Dec 19.
He said that the cases are being investigated under Section 8 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 (Act 37) and Section 8(a) of the Firearms Act 1960 (Act 206), carrying a fourteen-year prison sentence and at least six strokes of the cane.