SARATOK: Two local men have been arrested in connection with a housebreaking and theft case in Roban, with one of the suspects allegedly selling stolen antiques for just RM25 to fund his drug habit.
Saratok police chief DSP Mathew Manggie said the arrests were made on Jun 8 following investigations into a break-in at a house in Kampung Melayu Roban.
The case came to light after a 31-year-old farmer discovered his mother’s house, left unoccupied since January this year, had been broken into when he visited the property on May 24.
He found signs of forced entry on the front door, and that several items were missing, including brass decorative antiques and a grass-cutting machine, all of which are worth about RM1,200.
“Following investigations, police arrested two local men, aged 32 and 37, in separate operations in Roban on Jun 8.
“Both suspects tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine.
“The 32-year-old suspect has a prior record for housebreaking, while the 37-year-old suspect has four priors, including theft and drug-related cases,” he said.
Investigations found that the first suspect allegedly targeted the abandoned house on Apr 30, and is believed to have broken the padlock on the front door using a piece of wood before entering the house and searching through the premises.
Mathew said the suspect allegedly stole several antique items from the living room and later brought them to the second suspect’s house to photograph the items using the latter’s phone.
The photographs were then circulated through WhatsApp in an attempt to find buyers.
“However, after failing to attract any interested buyers, the suspect allegedly sold the antiques to a scrap dealer for RM25.
“The proceeds were then used to purchase drugs for personal consumption,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code for housebreaking and theft.
