MELAKA: A father and son have been arrested for allegedly robbing a foreign worker while impersonating policemen.
Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Christopher Patit said his team tracked one suspect to the Telok Mas light industrial area and another to a hut outside a mosque in Ayer Keroh here recently.
He said the 51-year-old father has three offences, including suspected rape, on his criminal record while the son, 25, has one prior involving impersonation and robbery.
"The foreign worker was cycling to his workplace when he was intercepted by the duo, who identified themselves as policemen and conducted a purported inspection.
"They then took RM720 from the victim’s sling bag," he said on Thursday (Feb 5).
ACP Christopher said the case is being investigated under Section 392 of the Penal Code for robbery and Section 170 for impersonating a public servant.
He noted that Section 392 provides for imprisonment of up to 14 years with a fine or caning, while Section 170 carries a penalty of up to two years’ jail, a fine, or both upon conviction.
ACP Christopher said the duo was also believed to be involved in other robbery cases involving foreigners.
"The suspects’ modus operandi is to target victims travelling by bicycle, stop them under the guise of being cops, and commit the robberies.
"Urine tests on the suspects came back negative for drugs," he added.
He also urged anyone who experienced similar encounters to come forward and lodge a police report.
"The public is advised to remain vigilant and not be easily deceived by unknown individuals claiming to be public servants, to prevent such crimes from recurring," he said.
