MIRI: Police arrested a 30-year-old man with previous criminal records over the alleged theft of health and beauty products from a pharmacy here.
Investigators are also probing a possible link to another similar case.
The suspect was arrested by a team from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Miri district police headquarters at Kampung Keluru Jaya, Bekenu, at about noon on Sept 14, following intelligence gathering and investigations into the theft.
Police said the incident occurred at about 8.18pm on Sept 10 at a pharmacy and beauty products outlet in Pelita Commercial Centre.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage allegedly showed the suspect taking merchandise from a display rack and leaving the premises without making payment.
The shop operator subsequently lodged a police report on Sept 11, with the value of the stolen goods estimated at RM476.
Police said the suspect, who is unemployed, has several previous criminal records. He is also believed to be a drug user.
He will bn remanded for four days until Sept 19 to assist investigations, including into another theft in Miri believed to have been carried out using a similar modus operandi.
The case is being investigated under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine upon conviction. For a second or subsequent offence, whipping may also be imposed.
