JOHOR BARU: Police have solved 32 cases of house and shop break-ins, along with vehicle thefts, after arresting nine members of the “Richi Gang.”
Johor deputy police chief Deputy Comm Abdul Latiff Mehat said seven men and two women, aged 21 and 37, were detained around Johor Baru between Sept 21 and 28.
“Investigations revealed that the gang was led by a 21-year-old man who identified and selected the houses and shops to be targeted.
“The group’s modus operandi was to break into the premises chosen by the mastermind before fleeing with vehicles. They also used the stolen vehicles to commit the crimes,” he told during a press conference at the Johor Police Headquarters on Wednesday (Oct 22).
He said the "Richi Gang" had been active since 2022, primarily targeting village houses and older national car models.
“These vehicles are often chosen because they lack additional security features,” he said, adding that the gang operated across Johor Baru, Seri Alam, Kulai, Pontian, Kluang and Batu Pahat.
“Eight of the nine suspects had previously served time in prison but remained undeterred, continuing to commit the same crimes as their main source of income,” he said.
DCP Abdul Latiff said police managed to solve 32 break-in and vehicle theft cases following their arrest, including nine in Seri Alam, six in Iskandar Puteri, five in Kluang, four in Kulai, three each in Batu Pahat and Pontian and one each in Johor Baru and Muar.
"The stolen vehicles, tools and other items worth about RM100,000 were seized during the operation.
“Investigations are still ongoing to determine the group’s involvement in two similar cases in Kemaman, Terengganu,” he added.
DCP Abdul Latiff said 32 investigation papers had been referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s Office, with 18 charges approved so far.
“Eight charges fall under Section 457 of the Penal Code for housebreaking.
“Seven more are under Section 379A/411 of the Penal Code for vehicle theft or dishonestly receiving stolen property.
“Another two are under Section 411 for dishonestly receiving stolen goods.
“One charge is under Section 448 for house trespass,” he said.
He added that one of the gang members had been charged at the Kluang Magistrate’s Court on Sept 9, while five others would face charges on Oct 22 at the Johor Baru Court, followed by proceedings in Kulai and Batu Pahat.
DCP Abdul Latiff said the arrests demonstrated the police’s commitment to combating house and shop break-ins while ensuring Johor remains a safe state for residents and visitors.
“I urge vehicle owners to improve their security measures by not leaving valuables in plain sight, always locking their doors and windows, installing anti-theft devices such as steering locks and using GPS trackers.
“The public is also encouraged to share information via the Johor police hotline at 019-2792095 or the operations room at 07-2212999,” he added.
