Police: No report so far but be wary of those who come bearing gifts

PETALING JAYA: Police have played down a warning circulating on the Internet and messaging services that a gang of robbers are gaining access to houses under the guise of delivering hampers to the occupants.

“We have not received any reports and we can confirm that there were no such incidents in Kuala Lumpur,” said acting City CID chief Asst Comm Khairi Ahrasa.

“If there are, then we would have been on top of it.”

He said the messages were not true but advised the public to be wary of such scams in any case.

“It is better to be vigilant, especially during festive seasons,” he added. “Although no reports have been received, we will still keep an eye out for such gangs.”

The warning being circulated warned of a gang that entered private premises on the pretext of delivering hampers and subsequently robbing the occupants.

It alleged that one such incident occurred in Kota Kinabalu in March 2012, where a “hamper gang” robbed a government servant of RM30,000.

The rumour related that an unsuspecting maid allowed the robbers in. Once inside, they pulled out a knife and a machete that were concealed beneath the hampers.

MCA public services and complaints department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said he had not heard of any “hamper robbers” but did handle one case involving the “deliver­y” of cooking gas.

He, too, warned people to be wary of those bearing hampers.

“This could very likely happen during Chinese New Year, when there are lots of hamper deliveries,” Chong warned.

“I have told my maid not to let anyone in but to leave the hampers outside the house.”

Malaysian Crime Awareness Campaign founder Mark Soh said he, too, had not heard about the “hamper robbers” but knew of similar cases involving courier services.

“They even dress up in uniforms. During the festive seasons especially, people may take advantage of any opportunity to rob. It is always good to be extra cautious,” he said.