‘Don’t be careless’
> Police urge people to be more vigilant amid rise in snatch thefts
KUALA LUMPUR: Snatch thefts and cases of robbery without weapons in the city have increased by more than 57% with a total of 1,010 cases reported compared with 640 last year.
City police chief Commissioner Datuk Mazlan Lazim said despite a 25% drop in overall crime cases to 11,815 so far this year compared with 15,785 last year, the sharp increase in the number of snatch theft cases was worrying.
“I want the Criminal Intelligence branch (D4) and Serious Crime division (D9) to come up with strategies to combat these crimes,” he said after attending the city police monthly gathering at the police headquarters yesterday.
He pointed out one of the factors contributing to the increase of robberies without weapons and snatch thefts is people’s attitude of being careless and not vigilant with their belongings, giving the opportunity for thieves to strike.
“Whatever criminals can see, they can take. They will loiter around looking for the opportunity and they will strike if people are careless. So do not give them that chance to strike.”
Police have identified tourist areas like Bukit Bintang and Jalan Imbi as “hotspots” for such crimes.
“These crooks will go in small groups and they won’t spare anyone, not even tourists.
“Sometimes pedestrians would be walking while talking on their phones and they fail to pay attention to their surroundings, and such a situation will give criminals the opportunity,” he said.
Police will conduct campaigns to raise awareness to combat these crimes especially at tourist areas.
Mazlan also warned entertainment outlet operators to adhere to their licence conditions and avoid abusing the privileges given as police recently found drug dealers operating within entertainment premises.
“If you want to run a business, then do so. But do not get involved in drug abuse activities,” he said.
He was commenting on a recent police raid at such outlets which found syndicates supplying drug-laced drinks and other drugs.