KUALA LUMPUR: Four vehicle theft syndicates operating in Wangsa Maju have been dismantled following a three-month police operation under Ops Lejang Khas 1/26.
Wangsa Maju OCPD Senior Asst Comm Mohamad Lazim Ismail said 21 individuals were arrested and 24 stolen vehicles recovered in the operation led by the district police headquarters’ Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
“Those detained comprised 20 men and one woman, aged between 33 and 50, following intelligence-gathering efforts from Jan 1 to March 20.
“The suspects are believed to have been active for between one and two years based on past records,” he said at a press conference at the Wangsa Maju district police headquarters on Thursday (March 26).
He added that urine screening tests found most of those detained positive for drugs.
He said four groups known as the Prakash, Ican, Kobis and Botak Kuang syndicates were involved, operating in Wangsa Maju, Gombak, across the Klang Valley and as far as Pahang.
“The suspects would steal motorcycles in one area before moving them to other districts to avoid detection,” he said, adding that some vehicles used fake registration numbers or were dismantled and sold as spare parts via online platforms.
Of the 24 vehicles recovered, five have been returned to their owners, while the rest were handed to other district police headquarters.
Police also conducted checks on 4,109 individuals, 3,157 vehicles and 10 workshop premises.
So far, five suspects have been charged under Sections 379A, 379 and 411 of the Penal Code, while the rest remain under investigation, with some handed over to other districts.
SAC Mohamad Lazim said negligence among owners such as leaving keys in motorcycles or parking in secluded areas, coupled with demand for cheaper spare parts, contributed to the crimes.
“We found that many cases occurred due to negligence, which criminals exploit,” he said, advising the public to use additional locks and park in safer, CCTV-monitored areas.
He warned that those buying stolen items risk action under Section 411 of the Penal Code, adding that police would intensify patrols and carry out further operations, including a second phase.
“Do not be tempted by cheap prices as you may also be charged with possessing stolen property.”
