CAUGHT IN THE ACT
Snatch thieves’ faces shown on FB Live video
TWO snatch thieves on a motorcycle grabbed a pedestrian’s smartphone while the latter was recording a Facebook Live video, and unwittingly exposed their faces to stunned viewers.
The victim, who was on his way to a mosque for Aidiladha prayers on Friday, decided to capture the festive atmosphere in his Setapak neighbourhood on Facebook Live.
As he panned left and right, the snatch thieves, coming from the opposite direction, grabbed his phone and fled after a brief struggle. However, the live video continued to stream, showing the faces of the thieves as they made their getaway.
The 78-second video has gone viral on Facebook, garnering more than 158,000 views.
Netizens have urged the police to take action.
Facebook user Romuald Nonis said: “Since their faces are clearly seen, now is the time to go hunting for these men, I guess.”
Staloong Lim said: “Lucky that the incident was recorded, PDRM go go go, arrest them!”
Others said the incident should serve as a lesson for people not to use their mobile phones while walking on the street.
Alastair Michael Lee said: “Lesson learnt. Be aware of your surroundings. People always focus on their mobile phone nowadays!”
Niezam Mohamad said: “Why go on (Facebook) live in the middle of the road? Take it as a lesson!”
Wangsa Maju district police chief Superintendent Mohamad Roy Suhaimi Sarif said no report had been lodged on the incident.
“We will trace the men based on the video, and will check if they are involved in other cases.”