PETALING JAYA: A robbery gang responsible for at least 42 house break-ins in Penang has been busted by Bukit Aman.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the gang was crippled during an operation on Feb 15.
“The group, led by a 27-year-old local man, has eight members aged between 22 and 35. Several of them are repeat offenders.
“The gang was active from 2024 until October 2025 and is believed to have been involved in at least 42 housebreaking cases, with estimated losses approaching RM1mil,” he said in a statement on Monday (March 9).
During the operation, five suspects aged between 22 and 26 were arrested.
“All five are currently detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).
“Three other suspects, aged between 23 and 31, have been identified and are currently serving prison sentences in Penang and Kedah for other offences,” he said.
Investigations revealed that all the suspects had prior criminal records involving gang robbery, housebreaking, theft in buildings and drug abuse.
Comm Kumar said the gang’s modus operandi involved breaking into homes in gated and guarded luxury residential areas as well as ordinary neighbourhoods.
“They would search the houses and steal valuables such as jewellery, electronic devices, cash and other items that are easy to dispose of.
“Through the arrests, police have successfully solved 42 cases and dismantled an active housebreaking syndicate operating in Penang,” he said.
He added that the suspects will be charged at the Butterworth Sessions Court on Tuesday.
“The police reaffirm their commitment to combat all forms of organised crime through integrated operations, intelligence efforts and continuous enforcement.
“Firm action will be taken without compromise against any individual or group involved in organised crime to ensure public safety and well-being,” he said.
