KOTA KINABALU: Police have thwarted the activities of a group responsible for at least 17 cases of housebreaking in several districts in Sabah.
The group, known as "Gang Raqib", had been active in criminal activity since the middle of last year, was dismantled yesterday following the arrest of five individuals, including the group's leader, in two separate raids in Beaufort and this district.
Sabah Crime Investigation Department Chief, Senior Assistant Commissioner (SAC) Azmi Abd Rahim, said they received a report from a victim on Feb 17 claiming that his house was broken into, and various valuables were stolen, resulting in an estimated loss of around RM96,000.
"Acting on information, the operational team conducted an investigation and successfully arrested three men at approximately 7am yesterday at a house in Kampung Kekeru Kota Klias, Beaufort.
"The police also seized a vehicle, a laptop, cash, mobile phones, and a set of keys," he said when contacted today.
He added that the investigation into the three suspects, aged 33, 37, and 39, revealed their involvement in 17 housebreaking cases in several districts in Sabah.
"These include 11 cases in Sandakan, two cases in Ranau, and one case each in Penampang, Putatan, Inanam, and Kudat.
"This group's mode of operation is to roam premium residential areas. They would ring the doorbell to determine whether the residence was occupied or not.
"If there is no response, the suspects would break in and steal valuable items," he said, adding the suspects hid in a house in Beaufort after committing the crime.
Azmi added the group leader had 21 criminal cases, including housebreaking, drugs, and theft.
Two of the suspects are locals, while one does not have valid identification documents.
Further investigations by the operational team also led to the arrest of two individuals, aged 26 and 23, in Kota Kinabalu yesterday.
"Both suspects played a role as buyers of stolen goods by the three suspects.
"Further questioning and surveillance are still ongoing for all members of this group, and efforts to track down other accomplices are underway," he said.
He added that all arrests were remanded for seven days until Feb 26, and the cases are being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code.