Kuching police successfully thwart 81pct of cable theft cases

KUCHING: The Kuching District Police Headquarters (IPD) achieved an 81 per cent success rate in thwarting Telekom Malaysia (TM) Berhad cable theft cases out of the 21 reported incidents in the district last year, involving a total loss of RM210,000.

Kuching OCPD ACP Ahsmon Bajah said 17 cases were successfully resolved, leading to the arrest of 36 individuals, all locals aged between 19 and 36. Among them, 24 tested positive for drugs and were repeat offenders.

“The thieves were involved in various property crimes, such as mischief, cutting, and selling TM cables.

“Some of the suspects received a three-month prison sentence, while others were fined RM1,000. The penalties imposed vary depending on the quantity of stolen items, in accordance with legal provisions.

“All suspects were charged under Section 379 of the Penal Code for the offence of theft and under Section 427 of the Penal Code for the offence of mischief,” he explained during a press conference after the TM Networking Session with the Kuching IPD today (Dec 8).

Meanwhile, ACP Ahsmon stated that the police took action against three licenced premises engaged in purchasing and handling cables as scrap metal. Out of Kuching’s 28 licenced premises, three violated regulations, resulting in the revocation of their licences.

“All three premises have been charged under Section 411 of the Penal Code for purchasing items unlawfully, such as buying and storing stolen TM cables.

“Therefore, I strongly warn other second-hand goods premises not to deal with cable theft crimes, as the police will not hesitate to revoke their business licences,” he stressed.

ACP Ahsmon highlighted the suspects’ modus operandi, stating that all engaged in criminal activities individually and were not part of a syndicate. He expressed concern about their increasing boldness in carrying out crimes even during daylight.

The police consistently collaborate closely with TM and local authorities to monitor suspicious activities.

Additionally, five special teams, namely the Counter Aggressive Team (CAT) IPD Kuching, have been established to combat these crimes, including cable theft and other property crimes, such as vehicle theft.

Based on intelligence, ACP Ahsmon acknowledged the evolving modus operandi of cable theft crimes, with instances where perpetrators infiltrate new development areas with TM service cables publicised through social media.

In response, he urged the public to promptly report any suspicious activities in their respective areas, emphasising the importance of collective efforts to ensure everyone’s safety.

Present at the event were TM Sarawak general manager Abdul Rahman Taha and Jefer Sadiq, general manager for network.