Sabah cops bust 7 housebreaking gangs

Sabah police chief Jauteh Dikun said 84 break-ins were reported in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Ranau, Sandakan and other areas. (Facebook pic)

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah police have busted seven gangs specialising in house break-ins, responsible for losses of RM1.2 million in cash and valuables, said state police commissioner Jauteh Dikun.

Bernama reported Jauteh as saying that Op Black Shadow was initiated in July after 84 reported break-ins, including in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Ranau, and Sandakan.

Police detained 64 people aged 22 to 45, of whom 13 were foreigners.

“The gangs targeted luxury homes while homeowners were away and stole cash and valuables from safes. They were not aggressive and only targeted empty houses.

“During interrogation, suspects admitted to being involved in 84 house break-ins. We believe some gang members are still at large,” he said.

Jauteh said a total of 1,028 house break-ins were reported to date this year compared with 993 for the same period last year. - FMT