Cops nab snatch thief after botched attempt to steal gold necklace

KUALA LUMPUR: A snatch thief was caught after failing to yank a gold necklace from a victim at Jalan Masjid India here.

The victim, a man his 30s, was smoking a cigarette at the side of the road when the suspect, who was on a motorcycle, came from behind in an attempt to snatch his gold necklace at about 11.20pm on Friday (April 26).

However, the victim managed to swerve away at the last minute, causing his necklace to fall on the road.

Acting Dang Wangi OCPD Supt Rudy Abdullah said the suspect sped away but the victim's brother-in-law gave chase on foot and managed to ask assistance from police personnel who were on patrol duty.

"During the course of the chase, the thief again attempted to go after his initial target but only managed to hit the victim instead.

"The impact of the collision caused the suspect to lose control of his motorcycle, sending him sprawling at the side of the road," he said when contacted.

A team from Dang Wangi CID then apprehended the suspect, in his 20s, he added.

"The victim suffered injuries to his legs, hands and head while the suspect also suffered wounds and bruises on his legs, mouth and chin.

"Initial investigations revealed that the suspect had past record for drug-related offences and theft. The motorcycle used by the suspect was also reported missing," Supt Rudy said.

Police also seized two mobile phones, a brown Coach sling bag, three sets of motorcycle keys, a pair of gloves, a weighing scale, a walkie-talkie, a sling-blade, and a black bag containing tools to steal motorcycles, he added.

"The suspect will be remanded for further investigations," he said.- Star