MELAKA: Melaka police believe they have dismantled a motorcycle theft syndicate following the arrest of six members of 'Geng Botak', including a Form One student who is believed to be the mastermind of the group.
The student and the rest of 'Geng Botak', aged between 13 and 17, were arrested by the police in three separate raids around the state, including in Jalan Semabok and Taman Bidara Setia, Masjid Tanah.
It is understood that the syndicate has been active since January and is suspected of being involved in at least six cases involving various types of motorcycles.
Melaka police deputy chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Md Nazri Zawawi said the group, led by the Form One student known among his members as 'Botak', was arrested during an operation dubbed Op Lejang from July 4 to 7.
He added that preliminary investigations showed that the suspects' modus operandi involved targeting motorcycles parked outside houses without fences.
"With the arrest of these individuals, the police believe they have solved six motorcycle theft cases around Melaka.
"During the raids, the police also seized six motorcycles reported stolen previously," he said in a statement today.
He said the stolen motorcycles seized by the police included a Yamaha 15ZR, a Yamaha 135 LC, and a Modenas Kriss. These motorcycles were also used for personal activities by the syndicate members and their friends.
Md Nazri said that all the suspects tested negative for drugs.
"Checks also showed that none of them have past criminal records," he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 379A of the Penal Code for motor vehicle theft.