GEORGE TOWN: The 32-year-old man who stole more than 1,000 pieces of female undergarments will not face the brunt of the law after all.
In a surprise decision, the management committee of the condominium near Jalan Masjid Negeri has decided not to lodge a police report against the culprit on “humanitarian grounds”.
A committee member, who declined to be named, said the man was “young and should be given a new lease of life”.
“We are letting him off. He has moved out of the rented unit,” he added.
On Sunday, police were called in after the man was spotted stealing a red bra hung up by a condominium committee member near the wet kitchen grill as bait. They were shocked to find that his room was filled with bras, panties, petticoats and camisoles.
Police also discovered items that were likely used to fish for the undergarments – broomstick handles, extendable poles and hangers reshaped into hooks.
Fewer than 10% of the undergarments were claimed by the victims.
“Only those who had lost six or seven bras came to collect them,” the committee member said. “Many felt squeamish about taking them back.”
He said the undergarments would be displayed until today, outside the condominium’s management office, for more owners to claim them.
The committee member added that several residents had offered to rope in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help dispose of the loot.
“We will hold a meeting. We will put these items to good use – whether to donate them to charity organisations or pass them to NGOs.”
Bukit Gelugor MCA division chairman Datuk Koay Kar Huah said the committee should have lodged a police report as it was an “absurd” case.
State exco member Chong Eng, who is in charge of the women’s portfolio, said she was surprised with the decision not to pursue the matter with the police.
“Does this reflect the best interest of residents?” she asked.
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