Gold shop manager’s swift actions halted robbery attempt in Lahad Datu

KOTA KINABALU: A gold jewellery shop manager’s quick thinking and brave actions have managed to stop a robbery attempt at the premise in Lahad Datu on Monday (Jan 8) morning.

A suspect, believed to be carrying out the deed with a fake pistol, made the attempt at 8.39am at the shop located at Dataran Palma there, according to Lahad Datu OCPD Assistant Commissioner Rohan Shah Ahmad in a statement.

According to the report, the manager who was just getting ready to start their business for the day, was approached by a man from the front of the shop’s counter who suddenly brandished an object that looked like a pistol.

"The suspect also handed a red-coloured cloth bag to the victim to put the gold items in.

"However, the victim’s braveness in throwing a steel stick which is a ring size measuring tool at the suspect, managed to put a halt to the robbery attempt," said Rohan.

A 52-second clip from the premise’s close-circuit television (CCTV) which showed the incident, also showed the suspect walking away and fleeing after his attempt failed.

A team from the district police’s criminal investigation division (CID) had gone to the location for further investigation, and efforts were actively being carried out to trace the suspect who was described as having a stout body, with height estimated to be at five feet five inches and age range in the forties based on the CCTV recording.

"Efforts to track witnesses at the location is also being carried out so we can identify the real suspect.

"Therefore, Lahad Datu police urged the cooperation from the public who have information on the incident to come forward to the nearest police station or contact our CID chief at 017-488 1755," said Rohan.

The case was being investigated under Section 393/397 of the Penal Code and if found guilty, one could be imprisoned for up to 30 years as well as caned.