Kota Kinabalu: A 50-year-old woman suffered injuries and RM5,000 loss, including her smartphone, after being assaulted and robbed in a back alley of a bank, here, on Friday.
The suspect who attacked her with a piece of wood was apprehended on Sunday.
Acting City Police Chief Supt Kalsom Idris, in a statement Monday, said police received a report on the incident on Saturday.
Preliminary investigations showed the incident happened at 6.30am.
The victim, who works at a nearby bank, sustained injuries to her face and body.
Footages of the incident started circulating on social media on Monday, drawing public concern over the brazen nature of the crime.
The case, being investigated under Section 392 and 397 of the Penal Code, is the third reported robbery and theft reported in the city in a week.
At 1pm on Thursday, a 35-year-old clerk was on her way to a store from her workplace via a bank’s back alley when she was robbed.
The victim was injured after being hit by the culprit, who approached from behind, knocked her down and fled with her wallet.
Another 36-year-old was robbed of a handphone at a different place.
The suspect, an 18-year-old, believed to be responsible for both cases, was apprehended within six hours of the incident at Jalan Gaya.
Police advised the public to be cautious and attentive at all times, particularly at night, when criminals would take advantage to exploit their victims.
To prevent unexpected situations, the public are encouraged not to walk in secluded areas, especially when alone.
