KOTA KINABALU: It took the Sabah police just one arrest to dismantle ‘Gang Amy’, which is believed to be responsible for several housebreaking incidents around the city since early this year.
The gang, named after their leader known as ‘Amy’, was believed to be involved in at least two break-ins reported in Luyang and Jalan Penampang, successfully fleeing with cash, jewellery, mobile phones, and other items estimated to be worth around RM10,000.
Kota Kinabalu police chief ACP Kasim Muda said that through investigations and intelligence tips, they arrested the first suspect at Jalan Gaya, here, at 3.20pm on May 19.
"The local man was arrested along with several case items believed to be linked to house-breaking activities, including a hard disk, a crowbar believed to be used to break into houses, and clothing worn by the suspect during the offences," he said during a press conference at the Kota Kinabalu District Police Headquarters on Wednesday (May 21).
Following the arrest, police conducted a series of raids on the same day based on the information provided by the first suspect, leading to the arrest of three more individuals.
Police also seized a mobile phone and a car believed to have been used by the group during the break-ins.
“Background checks revealed that the first suspect has a criminal record for house break-ins, robbery, cable theft and drug offences dating back to 2017. He had also previously served prison time for robbery.
“The third and fourth suspects have 26 and 16 past cases in their criminal record, respectively, involving various offences over the years,” Kasim said.
The gang was believed to have been actively operating in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Papar, Kudat and Sandakan and was also involved in other criminal activities, including drug abuse.
“The group’s modus operandi was to target quiet residential areas, operating in groups of three to four people using rented vehicles to commit house break-ins.
“All four suspects have admitted involvement in the cases and are currently remanded for further investigation. Urine tests showed two suspects tested positive for methamphetamine, while the other two tested negative,” he said.
Kasim added that the arrests have led to the resolution of two previously reported house-breaking cases.
Further investigations are ongoing to determine the gang’s involvement in other criminal activities, including those outside the district.
“At present, police are actively tracking down another member of the group who remains at large, known by the alias 'Pindil', and we are confident he will be apprehended soon,” he added.
