MELAKA: A gang of pickpockets preying on unsuspecting tourists at major attractions here has been crippled following the arrest of five foreigners.
Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Christopher Patit said the male suspects, all Chinese nationals aged between 29 and 62, targeted victims in crowded tourist hotspots, particularly around Jonker Walk.
He said the activities of the “Guangxi Gang” were uncovered after a Chinese tourist lodged a police report on April 25 claiming that his wallet containing cash and credit cards had been stolen.
“A special team from the Melaka police launched an operation and managed to detain two suspects in Dataran Pahlawan on the same day.
“Further investigations led my men to a condominium in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, where three more suspects were arrested on April 29,” he said yesterday.
“We have received five reports from victims since last month with estimated losses of about RM20,000,” he said.
The suspects are being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft as well as Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act for overstaying.
