SNATCH theft is a heinous crime and videos of such incidents often go viral on social media.
One such video making the rounds shows a motorcyclist trying to snatch a necklace from a woman who was also riding a motorcycle.
Comments and captions on the video claim that the incident occured on Jalan Tembaga, Taman Greenview, Jelutong.
Is it true that such a snatch theft incident occurred in Penang?
VERDICT:
TRUE
George Town OCPD Asst Comm Abdul Rozak Muhammad confirmed the incident, saying that the police had detained a man who allegedly snatched a gold necklace from a 71-year-old woman on Jalan Tembaga, Taman Greenview, Jelutong, on Monday (May 26).
He said the 29-year-old suspect was arrested less than 24 hours after he committed the crime.
"In the incident that occured at about 3.30pm, the victim was riding her motorcycle in the area when she was approached by the suspect, who was also on a motorcycle.
"The suspect then snatched the gold necklace from the victim,and during the incident the victim's necklace broke, and part of it is believed to have been taken by the suspect," he said.
ACP Abdul Rozak said the victim lodged a police report on the same day at about 4.30pm.
He said based on investigations, police arrested the suspect at about 4am on Tuesday (May 27) near Jalan Lim Khoon Huat.
He said police seized a motorcycle believed to be used by the suspect during the incident.
"Urine tests revealed that the suspect tested positive for THC (cannabis) and Benzodiazepines," he said
ACP Abdul Rozak said the suspect has been remanded for seven days, until June 2, to assist in further investigations under Section 392 of the Penal Code.
A 12-second video had gone viral on social media earlier showing both the victim and the suspect falling off their motorcycles onto the road.
Despite the woman’s efforts to fight back, the suspect managed to flee the scene.
