Boozed-up burglar found passed out by homeowner

JEMPOL: A 41-year-old man who broke into a house here and decided to have a few alcoholic drinks was arrested by police after he got sloshed and passed out after having a little too much to drink.

Jempol OCPD Supt Hoo Chang Hook said the suspect with a criminal record for multiple offences was believed to have entered the single-storey house in Taman Tanjung in Bahau through its unlocked back door early on Monday (Jan 23).

"We believe he drank alcoholic beverages belonging to the house owner till he got drunk and slept off.

"The owner, who woke up around 6.30am, got a shock when he found the suspect lying inside the house with a paper bag next to him which had two knives, a screwdriver, two liquor bottles and a Samsung tablet in it," he said adding that the suspect had 15 previous drug-related and six other offences on his criminal record.

Supt Hoo said the owner also claimed that the items, which cost around RM1,000, belonged to him.

The suspect was immediately arrested and has been remanded for four days from today (Jan 24).

The case is being probed under Section 457 of the Penal Code for housebreaking which provides imprisonment that may extend to 14 years and a possible fine or whipping upon conviction.

Supt Hoo said the 65-year-old house owner's wife and four children were at home when the incident happened.

"House owners should be more careful and make sure their doors and windows are properly locked at all times.

"We should not be negligent as this gives criminals an opportunity to commit a crime," he added.