NILAI: Police are investigating a bizarre theft involving 30 cremation urns allegedly stolen from niches at a local memorial park columbarium.
District OCPD Supt Johari Yahya confirmed that those behind the heist have reportedly contacted the park's management to demand a ransom for their return.
He said the first police report was received on Feb 26 and investigations are ongoing.
"Our investigations so far have shown that one suspect had contacted the management on WhatsApp using a foreign number claiming that he found the urns.
"However, he then demanded payment for the return of the urns," he said in a statement on Tuesday (March 17).
Supt Johari said police have classified the case under Section 380 of the Penal Code for theft in a building.
The case is also being probed under Section 384 for extortion and Section 297 for trespassing on burial places.
"Since this case involves elements of cross-border communication and the use of digital technology, we are seeking technical assistance from the relevant agencies," he said.
He advised the public not to speculate on the case.
The incident follows a similar report on March 9, where intruders allegedly broke into a memorial park in Kulai, Johor, and made off with more than 20 urns from a columbarium rack.
