Cops Cripple ‘Geng Bala’ with Arrest Of 11 Members

JOHOR BAHRU, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Police have crippled a robbery gang known as ‘Geng Bala’ with the arrest of 11 individuals, including two women, in separate raids across the state between Aug 12 and 26.

Johor police chief CP M. Kumar said the suspects, aged between 20 and 65, were believed to have been actively involved in robberies and house break-ins for the past five to six months in this city, Kulai, Pontian and Muar.

“Police seized several tools believed to be used for the crimes. Additionally, we recovered stolen items worth approximately RM95,000, including jewellery, various branded handbags and luxury watches,” he told a press conference here today.

He explained that the gang typically targeted homes in residential areas without security guards and luxury housing, and their modus operandi involved using crowbars and bolt cutters to force open sliding doors to gain entry.

Kumar said the group usually committed these crimes at night and would resort to robbery using any weapons found in the house if the occupants noticed their presence.

He added that with these arrests, the authorities believe they have solved at least 31 cases of robbery and house break-ins since the beginning of the year.

All the suspects are remanded until this Saturday for further investigation under Sections 395/397, Section 457, Section 411 and Section 414 of the Penal Code.

“One of the gang members will also face charges under Section 39C of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. All detained are members of the group, while the gang leader had been apprehended earlier,” he said, adding that eight of the 11 individuals tested positive for drugs.

-- BERNAMA