PJ residents warned of Latino-looking robbers involved in several house break-ins

PETALING JAYA: Residents of several areas in the district have been warned of the emergence of a gang of house-break-in robbers believed to be Latino looking.

It is learnt that several cases were reported in the Sungai Way area recently.

There were also reports of similar cases in areas such as Kota Damansara.

Some of the gangs would target empty houses while others broke into houses even while the residents were at home.

It is learnt that the gang also targeted houses in other areas including Kampung Tunku as well as SS2, SS3 and SS4 in Kelana Jaya.

In one of the cases, the suspects were believed to be Latino looking, and operated in a group of four to five men.

In previous years, there were reports of a Latino gang in the Klang Valley, who gained access to housing areas, including gated communities and condominiums, using luxury cars.

The men, who looked Latin American, often operated in groups of four to five men.

Petaling Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Fakhrudin Abdul Hamid said the police were aware of the house break-in cases and action had been taken.

"We have reports of house-break-ins in the Sungai Way area.

"We are investigating the matter and conducting operations to nab the culprits," he said when contacted.

Asked on the reemergence of the Latino gang, ACP Mohamad Fakhrudin said the police will investigate it further.

At the same time, the police have also increased patrols in several areas in the district, he said.

"We have also engaged respective residents' associations and urged them to be vigilant and step up crime prevention patrols in their housing areas.

"Constant communication with the police is important especially for residents who would go for holidays and leave their houses unattended," he said.

ACP Mohamad Fakhrudin urged those with information on any criminal activity to contact Petaling Jaya police at 03-7966 2222 or any nearest police station.