PENAMPANG: Police arrested five men and seized several items believed to be linked to a housebreaking case involving an unoccupied home undergoing renovations here.
Penampang District Police Chief Superintendent Sammy Newton said the suspects, aged between 26 and 31, were detained during a raid by the district’s Criminal Investigation Division at a house in Putatan, recently.
He said arrests were connected to a break-in at a vacant property in Penampang, with estimated losses of about RM10,000.
“We also confiscated various items suspected to be stolen property and evidence related to the case.
“Background checks showed that one of the suspects has previous criminal records for housebreaking and drug offenses.
“Preliminary urine tests further revealed that two of the suspects tested positive for drugs,” he said here on Sunday.
Sammy said the case is being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code for housebreaking, which carries a jail term of up to 14 years, and may also include a fine or whipping upon conviction.
He said the district police remain committed to combating property crimes and urged residents to ensure their premises, especially vacant properties, are properly secured.
“Members of the public with information on criminal activities are encouraged to contact the police to assist with investigations,” he added.
