KUCHING, Sept 26: The overall crime index for Kuching city has increased by 6.72 per cent, or nine cases more between January and September this year, as compared to last year.
Kuching district police chief ACP Awang Din Awang Gani said armed robberies contributed the most to the increased statistics, in terms of violent crime cases.
“Convenient stores or 24-hours outlets are the trend and target nowadays for robbers. However, Kuching’s serious crime division (D9) team has successfully solved 37 out of 53 robbery cases reported this year.
“A total of 66 suspects were arrested and charged, while some were prosecuted under the Prevention of Crime Act (POCA),” Awang Din said at the police monthly assembly today.
He added that of the total 952 crime cases reported this year, 391 cases or 41.07 per cent were solved, as compared to 962 cases reported but only 327 cases (33.99 per cent) solved last year.
As for property crime, there is a decline especially in motorcycle thefts, he continued.
“Statistics from Jan 1 to Sept 22 this year showed a decrease of 19 cases or 2.29 per cent, as compared to the same period last year.
“For property crime cases, the Kuching district police operations team, with the help from other divisions and police stations, managed to arrest 450 suspects,” Awang Din said.
He added that based on the police intelligence and information gathered, the district Ops Lejang team has successfully cracked down on housebreaking gangs and vehicle thieves operating in Kuching.
He acknowledged that the achievement was the result of high dedication and commitment shown by members of the city’s security forces in ongoing efforts to combat crime. — DayakDaily
