Sepang crime spike leads to special ops and increased police presence

SEPANG: An increase in crime within the Putra Perdana area has led to more patrols and a special operation by district police.

"(From Jan 1 to March 15) the Sepang district recorded an increase of 45.04% (50 cases) in our crime index compared to the same period last year," Sepang OCPD Asst Comm Wan Kamarul Azran Wan Yusoff said.

He told a press conference at the Putra Perdana police station on Monday (April 3) that 16 cases were reported to this station alone, the highest in the district.

"It is quite telling and for that reason we are focusing our crime prevention efforts within the area of Putra Perdana."

He said anti-crime operations were launched in Sepang on March 21, including a three-day operation in Perdana Putra from Monday which saw six roadblocks set up and increased police presence.

He added that most of the crimes reported were petty theft, with a significant number of incidents in shopping malls.

On the increase in cases, ACP Wan Kamarul Azran said a potential reason was that in the same period last year, the country was still in the midst of reopening following the movement control orders during the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the briefing to his personnel, ACP Wan Kamarul Azran instructed them to use the operation as an opportunity to forge closer ties with the community.

"For those stationed at roadblocks near mosques and surau, I want you to pray there.

"Use that chance to mix with the community as a form of high-profile policing," he added.