Robbers who preyed on victims' sympathy busted

KUALA LUMPUR: A woman disguised as a beggar has turned out to be the mastermind of a robbery gang.

The woman would attempt to gain the sympathy of unsuspecting victims before two men would ambush them, beat them up and steal their cash and valuables.

Sentul OCPD Asst Comm Beh Eng Lai said the latest incident occurred at around 10pm on Saturday (Oct 23).

"A 51-year-old Indian national was at the Sri Maha Karumariamman Temple at Jalan Segambut when a woman knocked on the door and asked for food.

"As soon as the victim opened the door, two men barged in and beat him with a stick and ran off with a gold ring, passport, RM500 cash as well as two mobile phones," he said in a statement on Monday (Oct 25).

He added that following investigations, police from the Jinjang police station arrested a woman and two men. The suspects' ages ranged from 16 to 35.

"We also seized a mobile phone, RM100 cash as well as clothes believed to be used by the suspects during the robbery.

"One of the suspects is also being investigated under Section 52(3) of the Societies Act 1966 because he had several tattoos believed to be from an illegal organisation," he said, adding that all the suspects confessed to their involvement in the case.

He said two suspects had criminal records and were wanted for drug and crime activities.

"All three have been remanded for five days to assist with further investigations.

"We advise the public to be extra cautious when approached by beggars," he said, urging anyone with information on crime to contact the Sentul police headquarters at 03-4048 2222.