PONTIAN: Police have arrested a local man just hours after he allegedly stole a car that had been left with its engine running in the early hours of Saturday (May 2).
Pontian OCPD Supt Hadzrat Hussien Mion Hussain said police received a report at around 1am regarding a black car that was stolen by an unknown individual along Jalan Teluk Kerang here.
“Following the report, at around 2.45am, police conducted a raid along Jalan Parit Panjang near Kampung Parit Mohayat in Ayer Baloi, where we located the missing car.
“We arrested a 44-year-old suspect and seized the vehicle, along with a remote control key,” he said on Saturday evening.
Supt Hadzrat Hussien added that checks revealed the suspect has seven prior offences on his criminal record, including five drug-related offences, and also tested positive for methamphetamine.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 379A of the Penal Code and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
“Investigations revealed an element of negligence, as the victim had left the car’s engine running with the key inside the vehicle before going into a sundry shop.
“The suspect, who happened to be at the scene, entered the vehicle and drove off towards the Sedenak toll area in Kulai,” he added.
Supt Hadzrat Hussien reminded the public to remain vigilant and avoid leaving their vehicles unattended with keys inside.
“Car owners are also advised to install a global positioning system (GPS) in their vehicles to help police locate them more quickly,” he said.
