KOTA KINABALU: A man believed to be a member of a burglary gang thought he had found the perfect way to lie low, by checking into hotels after each crime.
The man who went by the nickname "Akut", however, was proven wrong.
He was tracked down and arrested yesterday in the lobby of a hotel in Jalan Delima, Sadong Jaya, here.
Sabah Criminal Investigation Department chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Azmi Abd Rahim said the 38-year-old was nabbed at 8.10pm.
"Upon examination, many items believed to be stolen goods were found in backpacks.
"These include cameras, shoes, a car alarm unit, masks, and equipment suspected to be used for theft. Clothing and shoes stolen in Inanam were also seized," he said when contacted today.
Azmi said the man later confessed to breaking into houses and stealing items with three accomplices who are still at large.
He added that police were now trying to track down the man's accomplices.
"Police believe that this suspect is a member of a house burglary gang involved in several cases, and further investigations are ongoing.
"The case is being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code for housebreaking," he said.
Several days ago, three men known as the Raqib Gang, who were active in committing house burglaries in several districts in the state, were arrested.