JOHOR BARU: They usually target vehicles parked in isolated spots and use a spark plug or screwdriver to break the car window before rummaging for valuables and fleeing with laptops, iPads or even cash.
To date, these car break-in gangs have committed at least 17 cases, including breaking into four cars belonging to Singaporeans at the popular resort area of Desaru.
Police uncovered their activities when they arrested a total of eight people belonging to two car break-in gangs which have been active since August this year.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said that the two gangs were arrested in a series of raids in Masai, Majidee, Kulai and Muar on Sept 7 and Sept 8.
“This includes four locals and four Indonesians, including two women, all aged between 26 and 60,” he said during a press conference here.
He added that in the first group, police arrested at least three locals and recovered an array of items from them, including a spanner, vehicle keys and a remote control.
Comm Ab Rahaman said that in the second case, involving five people, including one local and four Indonesians, police recovered an array of items, including two vehicles, ATM cards, mobile phones and cash totalling RM10,105.
All the Indonesians nabbed had valid travel documents.
“We believe that the first group is responsible for at least seven car break-ins involving vehicles parked in three different resorts in Desaru on Sept 6 alone,” he said, adding that all the suspects from both gangs have been remanded.
Police were also on the lookout for at least four others still at large from the first gang.
He said investigations were being carried out under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft and Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief.
Comm Ab Rahaman said that the two successes showed the commitment of the Johor police to combat crime.
He also urged vehicle owners not to leave valuables inside their vehicles and to ensure their vehicles were properly locked.
Meanwhile, Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast said in a statement that they have taken swift and proactive steps to strengthen safety measures across the destination following an isolated vehicle break-in incident on Sept 6, 2026.
“Adventure Waterpark views visitor security as an utmost priority.
“While incidents of this nature remain uncommon, the park has immediately engaged with security teams and is working closely with local law enforcement authorities to investigate the circumstances,” the statement said.
