Melaka vows to end snatch thefts

Promise by police chief after victim dies

MELAKA: It was not just another snatch theft case for Melaka’s top cop, who has vowed to resolve the case of a 61-year-old woman who died after she was attacked.

She was getting into her car after buying groceries when she was set upon by someone in broad daylight on Dec 11 near a petrol kiosk at Ujong Pasir here. The woman died a few days later of severe head injuries.

Deputy Commissioner Datuk Wira Raja Shahrom Raja Abdullah (pic), who had extended his condolences to the family, promised that the assailant would not get away.

It is learnt that police are tracking down a teenager, believed to be the main suspect.

DCP Raja Shahrom said the case had been classified under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

“I am really upset over the death of the poor victim. A task-force has been set up to track the suspect,” he said when contacted yesterday.

DCP Raja Shahrom said the taskforce had detained four people so far.

He also pointed out that snatch theft cases had gone down except for an increase in the Melaka Tengah district with eight cases reported in a week since the start of this month.

“We need public co-operation to thwart snatch thefts, especially in Melaka Tengah,” he said.

DCP Raja Shahrom said he instructed his men to work closely with resident associations to curb these cases.

“We need to go all out to get these heartless thieves off the streets,” he added.