KL cops record rise in unarmed robberies and snatch thefts

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite an overall decrease in crime in the city, robbery without weapons and snatch thefts increased this year by 370 cases.

City police chief Comm Datuk Mazlan Lazim said overall crime decreased by more than 25% (11,815 cases recorded this year compared with 15,785 last year).

Meanwhile, the increase in robbery without weapons and snatch thefts was 57%, that is, from 640 cases last year to 1,010 this year.

“We see that most of these robberies and snatch thefts involve criminals who are opportunists.

“They go around looking for an opportunity, if they see people being careless or less attentive with their belongings, they will strike,” he told reporters during the monthly gathering at the city police headquarters here on Monday.

Comm Mazlan said they would be having a series of campaigns to raise awareness on such crimes, especially at tourist areas.

“We need the public to assist us. I have also directed the CID to come up with strategies to combat these crimes. This is one of our priorities as we want to ensure there is a decrease in the number of cases.

Among the “hotspots” for robberies and snatch thefts in the city are Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Imbi and nearby shopping malls.

On property crime, Comm Mazlan said this had decreased by over 31%, with 8,373 cases compared with 12,287 last year.

He added that violent crimes also decreased by 1.6% this year to 3,440 cases.

On another matter, Comm Mazlan issued a warning to entertainment outlets that allowed the distribution and use of drugs in their premises.

“When we raided some entertainment outlets, there were various drugs scattered on the floor. This is very alarming,” said Comm Mazlan.

He added that several arrests at entertainment outlets were being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for trafficking.

“This means there were dealers ‘operating’ in their premises. How is it the bouncers or the operators did not know this?

“I want to warn entertainment outlet operators. Run your business but don’t get involved in drugs.”