KUCHING: A 19-year-old girl was among three suspects arrested by police for their involvement in a spate of robberies here and in Padawan.
The trio, all unemployed and believed to be drug addicts, were arrested at a homestay here yesterday.
Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief, SAC Datuk Dev Kumar said initial investigation showed the suspects were believed to have been involved in at least four robberies in three districts in the state, in a span of two days.
Using a stolen Proton Saga, which was reported missing on Monday at Stutong, the group targeted 24-hour-convenience stores here.
"Two men in full face helmets robbed a 24-hour convenience store in Padawan about 3am on Monday and fled with RM600. One of them was armed with a samurai sword.
"Yesterday, the same suspects robbed two other convenience stores in Kota Samarahan and Kota Sentosa, around 4am and 5am, respectively" Dev said adding that in addition to cash totaling to RM2,335, the robbers also took several cigarette cartons, at the two stores.
"They also robbed a 18-year-old welder after knocking down him from his motorcycle at the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway on the same day (yesterday), at 12.30pm," he said Dev.
One of the suspects with a Samurai sword then robbed the victim of his mobile phone, identity documents and RM16.
Dev said a task force formed on the case, immediately tracked down the suspects possible hiding place to a homestay, within hours.
A team from the Kuching Criminal Investigation Department CID raided the homestay at 7th mile, Padawan, at about 8.30pm.
"We arrested two men, aged 24 and 26 as well as the teen," he said.
The team also seized a samurai sword, a stick, two helmets, two pairs of gloves, cigarettes, lighters, mobile phones and cash, as well as the car used in the robberies.
All suspects proved positive for methamphetamine.
The cases are being investigated for armed gang robbery under section 395/397 of the Penal Code.
They will be produced for remand in the Kuching Court at 2pm today.