Sarawak reports 2,925 crime cases in first half of 2024, cable theft soars 157pct

Wong speaks during the launch of Anti-Vandalism Campaign on Utility and Telecommunication Infrastructure 2024 at BCCK on July 3, 2024. Photo credit: JaPen Sarawak

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, July 3: Sarawak recorded 2,925 crime cases from January to June this year.

Of these, 2,624 cases or 90 per cent involved property crimes,while the remaining 301 cases or 10 per cent were violent crimes.

Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department (CID) head SAC Wong Ing Fung provided a breakdown of property crimes with 638 cases (24 per cent) were housebreaking (burglary and theft), 612 cases (23 per cent) were car thefts, and 1,374 cases (53 per cent) were other types of thefts.

“Of the other thefts, 386 cases (27 per cent) involved cable theft and related offenses,” she highlighted when giving a talk during the launch of the Anti-Vandalism Campaign on Utility and Telecommunication Infrastructure 2024 held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.

Wong pointed out that Padawan district had the highest number of cable theft and related offenses at 61 cases, followed by Miri (53), Mukah (34), Sibu (33), Bintulu (32), Bau (22), Matu Daro (19), Tatau (17), Kuching (18), Sarikei (17), Sri Aman (15), Belaga (11), Julau (10), Saratok (10), Lundu (6), Marudi (5), Kota Samarahan (4), Lawas (4), Betong (4), Song (4), Lubok Antu (2), Serian (1), Limbang (1), and Kapit (1).

The police have made 37 arrests in Miri, followed by Sibu (14), Kuching (13), Sri Aman (13), Bintulu (12), Mukah (11), Padawan (9), Tatau (7), Bau (3), Belaga (1), and Lawas (1).

The 386 cable theft and related cases this year represent a 157 per cent increase compared to the 150 cases recorded during the same period last year. – DayakDaily