Two-month police operation cripples three car theft syndicates, 17 arrested

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Three car theft crime syndicates were busted, along with 17 arrests made during a two-month operation in Iskandar Puteri dubbed Ops Lejang Khas Iskandar Puteri.

The operation, which began in August, was targeted at vehicle theft syndicates and saw the confiscation of six cars, five motorcycles and one van at the end of September.

Out of the 17 individuals arrested, 13 were with active crime syndicates committing vehicle theft, home break-ins and theft of electric cables, with some of the members still at large.

The remaining four individuals were arrested for separate motorcycle thefts and were not connected to any syndicate.

Iskandar Puteri OCPD Asst Comm Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said that those arrested, aged between 18 to 39 years, were currently being investigated under Section 379A for vehicle theft.

"A total of 11 of the 17 arrested have past criminal records for numerous offences including drug-related crimes," he said at a press conference at Gelang Patah Police headquarters on Tuesday (Oct 1)

"Another three individuals were also arrested under the Prevention of Crime Act for vehicle theft," he added.

During the operation, the police recovered a total of 12 stolen vehicles, which consisted of six cars, five motorcycles, and one minivan.

ACP Dzulkhairi said the syndicates would usually target vehicles that were left unattended for long periods of time.

"Those working in Singapore who leave their cars and motorcycles in Johor are prime targets for the criminals,

"They would monitor the victims' daily movements to plan a suitable time to steal the vehicles," he said adding that the vehicles would then be torn down and sold for spare parts.

ACP Dzulkahiri said the number of car theft reports were down when compared to the same period last year.

"In 2018 we saw 109 cars and 293 motorcycles reported stolen, this year there are only 92 cars and 242 motorcycles reported stolen so far," he said.

He also urged the public to relay any information related to vehicle theft syndicates to the police to further hinder these criminal operations.