| James Kon |
NINETEEN vehicles, nine motorcycles as well as more than 300 stolen items were recovered by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) after smashing a syndicate believed to be linked to a spate of house break-ins as well as thefts and smuggling of cars.
This was revealed during a press conference yesterday by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hamydon bin Ibrahim, who is Acting Head of Major Criminal Investigation Section of the Criminal Investigation Department.
According to DSP Hamydon, “A total of 15 individuals have been apprehended upon investigations; they comprised of two women and 13 men including two foreigners.”
He added, “The break-ins took place in a number of areas around the country and were carried out either by individuals or a gang.
“The case also involved cross-border activities whereby the suspects are believed to have smuggled vehicles to a neighbouring country.”
DSP Hamydon highlighted, “Besides the 19 vehicles and nine motorcycles, items such as household goods, display objects and valuables believed stolen were seized from the houses of the suspects.”
All the evidences were brought to the Criminal Investigation Department for further investigations.
The suspects are being investigated under Section 12 (1) (c) and (i) of the Passport Act Chapter 146 and Section 376, 380, 454, 457 and 411 of the Penal Code Chapter 22.
If found guilty, they face sentences ranging from imprisonment to fines and whipping.
Acting Director of Criminal Investigation Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dato Paduka Haji Awang Mohd Hassan bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Awang Ahmad highlighted that the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) with the cooperation of Immigration and National Registration Department managed to detain a suspect on September 6.
He was attempting to cross the border by using another person’s passport and smuggle a stolen vehicle. ACP Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Hassan continued, “The Criminal Investigation Department with the support of the Brunei -Muara Police District and the Belait Police District thereafter detained the rest of the suspects.”
In light of the case, he advised the public to ensure their cars are always locked with the keys kept safe at home.
He urged car owners to not leave the engine on unattended and to park in safe areas.