AMPANG: Two men were detained for allegedly stealing vehicle components after a video of them getting caught in the act went viral.
Ampang Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Farouk Eshak said a victim received a video from his friend at about 3pm on Tuesday (Sept 7), showing two men in the midst of dismantling parts from his vehicle in Ampang Jaya.
“When confronted, both men gave an excuse that they were fixing the car but fled in another vehicle soon after.
“When he checked, the victim discovered that his exhaust catalytic converter was cut but the thieves did not manage to escape with the loot,” he said when contacted on Wednesday (Sept 8).
The police managed to track down and detain the duo, aged 24 and 25, at about 11pm the same day, he added.
“Both suspects have past criminal records.
“We also seized various vehicle components including two catalytic converters as well as various equipment used by the suspects, including electric reciprocating saw, two car jacks, and a ratchet pipe cutter,” he said.
Both men will be remanded to facilitate further investigations, ACP Mohamad Farouk said.
“We discovered that the suspects targeted vehicle catalytic converters so that they can obtain the platinum plate that could be sold.
“We believe they have been responsible for similar thefts in Ampang and Kajang,” he added.
ACP Mohamad Farouk reminded the public to always be vigilant of their surroundings and mindful of their safety.
“We urge those who have been victims of such thefts to come forward to assist with the investigation,” he said.
