Police nab two ex-convicts in Johor over 11 cases involving housebreaking, robbery and theft

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Sept 15 — Two ex-offenders recently rearrested by police in Johor are linked to 11 criminal cases, comprising housebreaking, robbery, and theft, according to Superintendent Saifullah Jaya @ Yahaya. The men, aged 26 and 27, were apprehended in Tanjung Kupang and Kangkar Pulai areas on September 5 following a Sept 4 police report concerning a break-in at Forest City Starview in Gelang Patah.

Both men, who originated from northern states, were released from prison in 2023 after serving time for criminal and drug-related offenses. They relocated to Johor earlier this year to work at a factory but became unemployed in March, subsequently engaging in criminal activities, according to Saifullah. Initial investigations revealed the suspects were active during early hours, targeting vacant homes and stealing postal parcels, including disposable diapers.

They were also suspected of a July 28 robbery at a data center construction site in Gelang Patah, where they bound a security guard before stealing copper cables valued at RM50,000. Police seized a laptop, three cameras, four mobile phones, pawn tickets, gold sale receipts, and other items, along with two necklaces, five pairs of earrings, a Proton Waja, and copper sale receipts.

The 26-year-old, with 11 prior criminal records, is believed to have orchestrated the duo's activities, while the 27-year-old accomplice had 31 prior records. Both tested positive for methamphetamine. The arrests have helped solve multiple cases of housebreaking, shop break-in, construction site robbery, trespassing, and postal parcel theft.

Both suspects are being held until Friday to aid investigations under Sections 379, 457, 395, and 397 of the Penal Code.