Thursday, October 8, 2009

Robbers preying on careless folk

DESPITE repeated reminders and warnings, the public still continue to be lackadaisical when withdrawing large sums of money from banks, resulting in armed robbers robbing them of almost RM1mil over the past two months.

Selangor Criminal Investigation Department chief SAC (II) Datuk Hasnan Hassan said the state recorded 23 such cases from August to September with several victims being assaulted in the process by the robbers who were mostly foreigners.

“These criminals normally trail their targeted victim after they had withdrawn large sums of money from the banks. The amount withdrawn ranges from between RM5,000 and RM100,000.

“The robbers would follow their victim and strike either while on the road in a secluded area or when the victim is about to reach his destination,’’ he said, adding that the robbers would break the vehicle’s side window to rob the victim.

SAC Hasnan said most of the cases reported occurred during banking hours which is between 8am and 4pm.

He urged the public not to place the withdrawn money on the front seat of their cars but instead to place it under their seats so as not to attract or make it easy for robbers.

“Do not stop at any dark or secluded place after withdrawing large sums of money and if in need of any assistance, seek help from the bank’s security guards,’’ he added.

SAC Hasnan said during the same period, there were 10 cases of theft or robbery of luxury cars with the robbers striking mostly either at car parks or on the highway by faking accidents.

He said the robbers, who normally operated in two’s or threes, armed themselves with knives or parangs to scare their victims before speeding off with their cars.

“The public should exercise caution while driving on the road and should not stop if they suspect something amiss, even if involved in a minor accident. They can drive straight to the nearest police station or to a place where there is a crowd.

“The most important thing is not to give any opportunity to the robbers to commit crime,’’ he said

Derived from the Star ( Thurs Oct 8, 2009 )

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