Police have dismantled a vehicle rim theft syndicate known as the “Andy Gang”, arresting four local men and solving 10 theft cases involving stolen vehicle rims worth approximately RM20,000.
Acting Kota Kinabalu Police Chief Superintendent Syed Lot Syed Ab Rahman said officers seized 23 stolen vehicle rims, a Perodua Myvi believed to have been used by the syndicate, tools used to remove the rims, and payment receipts linked to the crimes.
The suspects, aged between 30 and 38, were arrested during a series of raids carried out in Putatan, Penampang and Papar on July 30 and 31.
Police also arrested a fourth suspect at a metal storage facility in Kampung Buit Hill, Penampang, who is believed to have purchased the stolen rims.
According to Syed Lot, the arrests helped solve 10 vehicle rim theft cases reported in Tanjung Aru, Luyang, Inanam, Karambunai and Manggatal.
Investigations revealed that all four suspects have previous criminal and drug-related records.
They have been remanded for four days to assist investigations under Section 379A(1) of the Penal Code.
In a separate operation, police also solved a house break-in case in Likas involving the theft of three luxury watches worth about RM40,000.
Three suspects were arrested in Tuaran and Kota Kinabalu, leading to the recovery of a Rolex and a Tissot watch with an estimated combined value of RM30,000.
