TAWAU: A 28-year-old man with 17 past criminal convictions has been apprehended by police for allegedly stealing a man’s bag during morning prayers at a mosque in Bandar Tawau, on Monday.
Tawau District Police Chief ACP Jasmin Hussin said the suspect was taken into custody less than 24 hours after the victim filed a report about the brazen theft that occurred on Monday morning at the mosque.
“The victim was in the midst of performing Subuh (dawn) prayers when an unknown individual snatched his bag that was placed in front of him,” Jasmin said.
“The victim gave chase but the suspect managed to flee the scene.”
The stolen bag reportedly contained valuable personal items including the victim’s passport, bank cards, driving licence, keys, mobile phone and cash. The distraught victim promptly alerted the police.
Through swift investigative work, police were able to locate and arrest the suspect inside a shop building roughly one kilometre away from the crime scene several hours later.
“Our initial probe led the suspect to disclose the location of the stolen belongings,” Jasmin said.
“The victim’s bag was recovered from a nearby drain at the mosque.”
A background check unveiled that the perpetrator has a staggering 17 previous criminal convictions consisting of 11 crimes and six drug-related offences.
He said the case is being pursued under Section 380 of the Penal Code.
He also cautioned members of the public to remain vigilant of their surroundings at all times to avoid falling victim to crime.
