KUALA LUMPUR: Police have busted a gang of snatch thieves who had posed as food delivery riders to carry out their crimes.
The thieves, known as Gang Ashmer, has been active over the last five months in the Sentul district
Sentul district police chief Assistant Commissioner Beh Eng Lai said the four suspects were detained in three raids between Oct 23 and Oct 28.
Beh said the quartet would disguise themselves as food delivery riders to blend in before zeroing in on their target.
"They would normally move in pairs, one to tail the victim and another one as 'striker'.
"Items snatched such as gold chains would be sold and the profits shared among the gang members," he told reporters in a press conference here today.
Among the loot recovered by the police included 36 gold chains, food delivery bags and mobile phones, worth around RM50,000 in total.
Three of the suspects, he said, had prior criminal offences.
"With the arrests, we believe we have solved 20 theft cases and 10 snatch thefts in the district," he said.
He said all suspects have been remand to assist the investigation under Section 392 of the Penal Code.
He also reminded the people to always be wary and to take care of their safety.
"Those who have become victims and have information on such activities can contact the Sentul police district police headquarters operation room at 03-40482206.