BUKIT MERTAJAM: The crime index in Penang has dropped by almost 18.1% this year, but burglary cases have shown an upward trend, say police.
Penang police chief Comm Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said crimes such as burglary at commercial and residential areas had increased from January to November.
“We recorded 3,667 crime cases during the period, lower than the forecast threshold value of 4,477 cases last year.
“The 18.1% drop is equivalent to 810 cases,” Comm Hamzah told reporters here yesterday.
However, he said 1,314 property crimes and thefts were recorded compared with 1,064 cases last year.
“The increase of 250 cases is about 23.5% more,” he added.
Comm Hamzah said among the measures taken to curb crimes, especially at hotspots, was to increase targeted operations.
This includes cooperation with other enforcement agencies such as the Road Transport Department, local councils, Immigration Department, National Anti-Drug Agency and the Environment Department, he added.
Earlier, Comm Hamzah, who was accompanied by Penang Police Family Association (Perkep) chairman Datin Sulastri Fethihana Swanto, joined hundreds of visitors to launch the Penang Women’s Volunteer Squad (Amanita) park in Taman Alma Jaya, Bukit Mertajam.
In his speech, Comm Hamzah said the squad has 17,561 members.
“Among them are 885 members comprising 138 senior officers and 747 lower-ranked officers in the state police force, as well as 2,190 housewives,” he said.
Various activities were held at the event, including exhibitions and games, as well as a lucky draw and tug-of-war contest.
There were also food stalls and a booth to provide discounts for traffic summonses.
Many queued up as early as 7am to enjoy the 50% discount.
