Gang believed involved in 17 burglary cases busted
KOTA KINABALU: Police have crippled a burglary gang known as ‘Gang Raqib’ believed to be involved in 17 house break-in cases around the state since the middle of last year.
State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Azmi Abd Rahim said five of the suspects, including the mastermind, were apprehended by police in two separate raids in Beaufort and Kota Kinabalu.
He said the arrests were made following a report received from an individual whose house had been broken into on Feb 17 with losses amounting to RM96,000.
“Acting on the report and continuous investigation, police managed to track down and arrest three suspects at Kampung Kekeru Kota Klias in Beaufort around 7am on Feb 19.
“Police also seized numerous items including laptops, cash, handphones and keys,” he said.
Azmi said the suspects, aged 33, 37 and 39, were believed involved in 17 burglary cases in the state.
“Eleven of the cases were reported in Sandakan, two in Ranau and one each in Penampang, Putatan, Inanam and Kudat.
“The modus operandi of the group was to hang around in luxury housing areas that have the potential to be broken into.
“The suspect will ring the door bell to see if anyone is home. If there is no answer, they will then proceed to carry out their criminal activities,” he said.
Azmi added police investigation revealed that the gang mastermind has 21 criminal records which includes burglary, drugs and theft.
“Two of the suspects are locals while the third suspect does not have any documents,” said Azmi.
Following the arrests and continuous investigation, police also detained two people aged 23 and 26 around the state capital.
According to Azmi, both suspects acted as middlemen to buy and sell the stolen goods.
“Investigation is still ongoing including to identify if there are any other suspects involved,” he said.
All the suspects are being remanded until Feb 26 for investigation under Section 457 of the Penal Code for housebreaking.