ISKANDAR PUTERI: Two ex-convicts have been arrested after allegedly posing as security guards to steal copper cables worth about RM50,000 from a data centre construction site in Gelang Patah.
Acting Iskandar Puteri OCPD Supt Saifullah Jaya said the suspects, aged 26 and 27, tied up the security guard on duty before stealing the cables from the storage area on July 28.
"They subsequently sold the copper and spent the money. We are investigating to find out what they spent the money on, including possibly drugs," he told a press conference here on Tuesday (Sept 15).
He said the suspects were arrested in Tanjung Kupang and Kangkar Pulai on Sept 5 after a house break-in report, and police believe they are involved in at least 11 criminal cases.
"The suspects are from the northern peninsula and previously served time in prison in Kedah for house break-ins and drug-related offences before being released in early 2023.
"They moved to Johor in January this year to work in a factory before they were fired.
"We believe they started getting involved in break-ins and robberies in April, targeting unoccupied homes for valuables and parcels containing items such as gold jewellery, gadgets and diapers," he said.
Police also seized copies of a pawnshop document, receipts for the sale of gold and copper, a car, jewellery, baby diapers, tools and other items.
Supt Saifullah said the suspects tested positive for methamphetamine upon arrest.
He said the 26-year-old, believed to be the leader, has 11 offences on his record, while the 27-year-old has 31.
The suspects are expected to be charged on Thursday (Sept 17) for theft, housebreaking with intent to commit an offence, gang robbery and armed robbery, or robbery involving attempts to cause death or grievous hurt.
