Beware of snatch thieves, PJ Old Town folk reminded

A banner placed near the motorcycle flyover in Jalan Railway 1/2 to remind residents and visitors in the area to exercise caution in Section 1B, Petaling Jaya Old Town. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star

Residents and those visiting Section 1B of Petaling Jaya Old Town are advised to beware of snatch thieves.

Section 1B Rukun Tetangga chairman Kok Kuan Yong said the motorcycle flyover, which connects the area to Kampung Medan, provided an easy escape route for snatch thieves.

“The flyover has been here for more than 10 years.

“It was recently upgraded from one lane to two lanes and reopened to the public in June, ” he added.

To alert locals and people passing through the area of the danger, 20 banners had been placed around Jalan Railway 1/2.

“The banners are to remind residents and visitors in the neighbourhood to be alert for snatch thieves to avoid any untoward incidents, ” he said.

Kok said there were many snatch theft cases reported in the area about five years ago.

“The Rukun Tetangga conducted frequent patrols back then and helped to reduce the number of cases, ” he added.

He estimated that snatch theft cases had dropped by 80% since then, adding that the banners were meant to help keep the number of cases low.

MBPJ councillor Terence Tan Teck Seng lauded the effort and reminded the public to be more vigilant in the area.

Also present at the event was Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran.

“This is a collaborative effort with Rukun Tetangga to ensure everyone is on high alert and the banners serve as a reminder for people passing by, ” said Rishyakaran.