Police arrest contractor for stealing batteries

IPOH: The police have arrested a 42-year-old contractor for stealing batteries from telecommunications sub-stations in Taman Bemban Raya, Batu Gajah. 

Perak CID chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Gan Tian Kee said the man was caught red-handed during the 11.40am incident on Tuesday (Nov7).

"Upon seeing the police, he drove off in his car and tried to escape. However, he lost control of the car and crashed some 100m away from the sub-station," he told a press conference here Wednesday.

"He tried to run into a nearby jungle but was caught," he added. 

Perak CID chief SAC Datuk Gan Tian Kee (secod from right) along with other police officers showing the seized items and batteries during the press conference. - SAIFUL BAHRI/The Star

SAC Gan said police recovered eight of the batteries, each valued at about RM1,500.

"We also seized other items used by the man to steal cables and batteries from other sub-stations. The man is a contractor licensed to install these batteries and cables at sub-stations," he said.

He said that the case would be investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft.

"We believed he wanted to sell the batteries. With his arrests, we believe we have solved seven related cases," he added.