Signature drive seeking auxiliary police under way

A SIGNATURE drive seeking an auxiliary police unit in Petaling Jaya is ongoing.

Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San said the organisers aimed to collect 100,000 signatures from the public.

“We are short of police officers — with a ratio of one police officer for 470 residents. According to international guidelines, the ratio should be one policeman to 250 residents,” he said during a drive at Pasar Seri Setia in SS9.

“We are not only short of policemen in Petaling Jaya, but other places as well.”

Snatch thefts and house break-ins are common now, said Lau.

Even high-profile individuals are not spared, said Lau, citing the case of Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, whose house was recently burgled.

Housewife Chew Yit Thye, 57, one of many who signed the petition, said snatch thefts occured frequently in SS9.

“There are at least two cases of snatch thefts every month. The thieves will grab your handbag or snatch your necklace. It’s very scary.”

Retiree Chan Foong Sai, 78, also supported the petition.

“My sister was recently a victim of snatch theft in Sea Park. A man grabbed her necklace in broad daylight. We need the extra protection!” she said.

Lau said the forms had been sent to residents’ associations and Rukun Tetangga.

He added that the campaign would be held in stages at various places.