MIRI: A 29-year-old man with a history of criminal offences was arrested by police after he was caught riding a motorcycle reported stolen from Miri’s Waterfront Commercial Centre.
The arrest was made on June 5 when officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Miri District Police Headquarters tracked down the suspect at an abandoned building along Jalan Hokkien.
Miri District police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the motorcycle had been reported stolen on June 1 by its 19-year-old owner after it disappeared at about 3am from a public parking area at the Waterfront Commercial Centre in the early hours of May 31.
“The suspect was found in possession of the motorcycle that had been reported missing.”
Police also seized a cockfighting spur found in the suspect’s trouser pocket during the arrest.
Investigations revealed that the suspect has several previous criminal records. He is also believed to be a chronic methamphetamine user and is currently unemployed.
The suspect has been remanded for four days until June 10 to assist investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 379A of the Penal Code for vehicle theft, which carries a jail term of between one and seven years and may also include a fine upon conviction.
ACP Mohd Farhan urged vehicle owners to take extra precautions, including ensuring their vehicles are properly locked and considering the use of additional security devices.
He also called on the public to assist police by providing information related to criminal activities.
Anyone with information on the case can contact investigating officer Inspector Mohd Rayhan Albert at 011-10846959 or visit the nearest police station.
