Special operation recovers stolen vehicles; suspects tested positive for methamphetamine.
Johor Baru police have cracked two vehicle theft cases, recovering a stolen car and motorcycle and arresting three suspects. These incidents, investigated under Malaysia’s Section 379A of the Penal Code, highlight the growing concern over vehicle theft in the region.
Johor Baru South Police launched “Ops Lejang,” a targeted operation against vehicle theft, after two separate cases were reported. The swift response led to the recovery of a stolen Chevrolet and a motorcycle, highlighting the efficacy of the operation and raising awareness about vehicle security.
Singaporean Tourist’s Motorcycle Stolen
A 23-year-old Singaporean event manager discovered his motorcycle missing from a hotel parking area on Jalan Trus early Monday morning (Dec 2). CCTV footage showed two individuals entering the parking lot and one riding away with the stolen motorcycle.
Loss: The motorcycle, valued at RM7,000 (approximately SGD 2,098), remains missing.
Investigation: Authorities are actively working to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Car Theft Leads to Arrests
In a separate case on Nov 11, a 56-year-old local man reported his car missing from an apartment parking lot in Bayu Puteri.
Operation Success: Three suspects were arrested on Dec 3 at a hotel on Jalan Bayu Puteri.
Evidence: Police recovered the stolen Chevrolet and seized a device believed to bypass ignition systems.
Criminal Records and Drug Use
The arrested suspects, aged between 20 and 39, tested positive for methamphetamine.
History: One suspect had 21 prior offences, while the other two had no criminal records.
Online Market for Ignition Bypass Devices
A New Straits Times report revealed the availability of ignition bypass devices on online shopping platforms.
Costs: Devices for motorcycles start at RM22 (SGD 6.59), and for cars, between RM40 and RM120 (SGD 11.98–35.94).
Impact: These tools are raising concerns about the ease of vehicle theft.
Read More: Behind the Curtain: Holistic or Hedonistic? Johor Bahru’s Massage Industry
Public Safety Measures Encouraged
Johor Baru South Police Chief ACP Raub Selamat urged the public to adopt additional theft prevention measures, such as securing vehicles with anti-theft systems.
Contact Information: Citizens with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Johor Baru South Police Hotline at 07-2182323.
These incidents underline the importance of vehicle security when traveling. While Johor Baru authorities are actively addressing theft concerns, tourists and locals alike are encouraged to take precautions to protect their vehicles.
Johor Baru police arrested three suspects linked to separate vehicle thefts involving a Singaporean tourist’s motorcycle and a local resident’s car. “Ops Lejang” led to the recovery of a stolen Chevrolet and the seizure of ignition bypass devices. Authorities urge heightened vehicle security as investigations continue.
Sources: The Star, NST Online (2024)
Keywords: Johor Baru Arrests, Car Theft, Motorcycle Theft
