More focus on motorbike theft cases this year, says Sibu police chief

SIBU: Sibu police chief ACP Saiful Bahri assures the public here that his men are committed to building a safer community in the ‘ Year of the Rooster’.

This is in view of the downward trend in crime index, which has gone down by 7.25 per cent.

According to him, there were 869 criminal cases recorded in 2015 but the figure had reduced to 806 last year.

“One of the focus areas is motorcycle theft. Although the number of cases under this category has gone down, we shall not let rest on our laurels,” he told reporters here yesterday.

Saiful said motorcycle theft posted a decline of 18.15 per cent in the number of cases, while vehicle theft cases as a whole had gone down by 37.33 per cent.

He also highlighted the success by police here in taking down two motorcycle theft syndicates with the arrest of 12 individuals – in their 30s and below.

“We sent four of them under RRO (restricted residence order) – we believe these four are the ring leaders ( of the sydicates),” he said, adding that police here had roped in 331 individuals to assist in the investigation into vehicle theft cases.

Saiful also reminded motorcyclists to not take safety precautions for granted, noting that many thefts occurred due to negligence on their part.

“I’ve seen some motorcycles not being locked properly, owners leaving their keys on the machines and motorcycles being parked at dark and remote spots.”

He said the Sibu Municipal Counci l ( SMC) h ad b e en cooperating with police by way of providing the lockbars at the parking areas for motorcycles.

“Make full use of this facililty,” he advised the motorcyclists.

For mot o r c yc l e s fou nd unlocked, Saiful said police pat rol lers would take the machines back to the station for safekeeping.

“I n the past, we used to ask owners to pay a fee for safekeeping and slap them with compounds ( due to the offence). We have decided to do away with this for the goodwill of the community. But, do not abuse such compassion.”

For Ch ine se New Ye a r, Saiful said police were beefing up the security ahead of the celebration, adding that his teams would be assigned to the local communities for crime watch.

On a related note, Sai ful expected that the traffic here would be very heavy as those working outstation would drive back home for the occasion.

“As such, I call upon motorists to not park illegally as we want to avoid traffic congestion. My men will also be monitoring crowded spots, such as the markets and the eateries.

“We shall look out for drunk drivers. We cal l upon the communities here to work with us towards ensuring a not only a festive celebration, but also a safe and peaceful one.”