Trio arrested for housebreaking and car theft in Johor

ISKANDAR PUTERI: A couple and an accomplice were arrested for house break-in and car theft.

Iskandar Puteri OCPD Asst Comm Rahmat Ariffin said the three suspects were detained at two locations in Tampoi and Larkin in Johor Baru on Friday (May 6).

He said the trio had broken into a house at Jalan Indah 4/1, Taman Bukit Indah near here at 5pm Tuesday (May 2).

"The victim's 62-year-old mother was alone at home when the incident occurred," ACP Rahmat said in a press conference at the Iskandar Puteri district police headquarters here on Monday (May 8).

He said the 29-year-old male victim, who works as a cook in Singapore, was away and only returned home at 10.30am May 3 (Wednesday).

ACP Rahmat said upon reaching his house, the victim found the front gates were open, with the padlock missing.

"The suspects managed to drive away a Toyota Vios parked on the porch belonging to the victim," he said.

ACP Rahmat said an initial investigation found the 26-year-old female, her 31-year-old boyfriend, and their 36-year-old accomplice tested positive for drugs, and have previous criminal records.

He said all suspects admitted to having broken into three houses in Iskandar Puteri and Iskandar Malaysia for the past three months.

ACP Rahmat said police also seized 21 items worth RM300,000 from them, including a Vios with false registration plates, and a Mercedes C300 AMG.

"Both cars were reported missing in Bukit Indah and Tun Aminah," said ACP Rahmat, who added the case is being investigated under Section 457/379A of the Penal Code.

The suspects have been remanded from May 7 to 11 to assist with investigations.