Police in Miri have successfully solved five break-in cases involving business premises reported since mid-May following the arrest of a local man on 10 June.
Miri district police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the Criminal Investigation Division of the Miri district police had received several reports of break-ins at commercial premises occurring between mid-May and early June.
He said the breakthrough came after intelligence gathering and continuous surveillance led to the arrest of a 30-year-old suspect.
“The arrest was carried out at about 7pm on 10 June by officers from the Crime Prevention Unit of the Miri Central Police Station, led by its chief, ASP Goldy Jangan, during a raid at a residential area in Pujut 2,” he said in a statement.
Police also found clothing and accessories believed to have been used during the commission of the crimes.
During the raid, officers seized a modified small saw believed to have been used to force open roller shutter locks at targeted business premises.
With the arrest, police have successfully resolved all five break-in cases involving similar modus operandi.
The incidents were reported at several commercial areas including Airport Commercial Centre, Assar Miri Bypass Commercial Centre, Morsjaya, Permyjaya and Boulevard.
Total losses from the cases are estimated at around RM15,000.
Investigations also revealed that the suspect has several prior criminal records, including drug-related offences in Miri and other districts.
A urine test conducted on the suspect returned positive for drugs.
The suspect now faces multiple charges under Section 457 of the Penal Code for each offence, which carries a jail term of up to 14 years, a fine, or both. Repeat offences may also include whipping if convicted.
ACP Mohd Farhan stressed that police will not compromise on criminal activities and will ensure offenders are brought to justice to safeguard public safety and property in the district.
