ALOR STAR: Most motorcycle theft cases in Kedah occur due to the negligence of their owners, with some often leaving the key in the ignition.
Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh said such actions are akin to providing 'charity for criminals' who constantly look for easy gains.
He said that there are cases involving theft at mosques or suraus when motorcycle owners intentionally leave or forget to take their keys with them.
"Sometimes they leave their motorcycles in their home compounds with the keys still in them, thinking that no one would take the vehicle. In that situation, they are practically offering charity to criminals.
"They need to realise that criminals will always seize opportunities. So, don't give them that chance and always strive to protect our belongings," he told a press conference at the state police headquarters here today.
He said that based on current statistics, there is an increasing trend in motorcycle theft cases in the state, becoming a significant contributor to the state's crime index.
He said a total of 961 cases were reported across the state last year.
"The Kuala Muda district recorded the highest number of cases, with 320, followed by Kota Setar with 245. Kulim also saw many motorcycle theft cases, totalling 103.
"For this year, as of May 22, a total of 357 motorcycle theft cases have been recorded in Kedah. This is an increase compared to only 326 cases during the same period in 2023," he said.
Hence, Fisol has asked for cooperation from all parties to collectively safeguard their belongings from presenting opportunities for criminals to steal.
"If we have done our best to keep the keys in the right place and theft still occurs, that's a different story. But if we act as if we're 'allowing' the motorcycles to be stolen, that shouldn't happen.
"When we present the crime index, it raises concerns among the public that crime rates in Kedah are high. However, upon closer examination, cases of negligence like these contribute to the high number of motorcycle thefts in the state," he said.