KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,225 people have been detained in connection with vehicle theft syndicates nationwide so far this year.
The suspects were detained between January and April in a series of operations codenamed Ops Lejang Khas.
The police's Criminal Investigation Department said 847 vehicles worth a total of RM19.8mil were recovered in 1,049 raids.
"We have opened 6,709 investigation papers and seized RM502,865 in cash.
"A total of 1,658 cases have been solved and 639 (9.5%) have been prosecuted," the police said in a Facebook post on Saturday (June 3).
"The public should take preventive measures by enhancing the security features of their vehicles.
"Our research shows that the syndicates do not target vehicles equipped with extra security features.
"We also urge the public to immediately lodge a police report if their vehicles are stolen," said police.
The police also advised the public not to leave their vehicles in secluded areas that are not monitored by CCTVs and to regularly test the effectiveness of their vehicle alarm system.
