Soaring crime
worries residents
The Star 4/6/2005 By Vivienne Pal
THE soaring crime rate in Jinjang and Kepong has left residents
worried for their safety and the security of their personal
belongings.
City Hall advisory board member Ma Woei Chyi said residents had
complained of the theft of lorries and vans.
“Last week alone, three lorries and one van were stolen.
“There have been a number of robberies here as well. We have heard
complaints from older women who were robbed when they went to the
market,” said Ma, who is also City Hall Advisory Board of Housing
Committee chairman, during a press conference at a coffee shop in
Jinjang Utara, Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday.
Ma demonstrating how burglars can break into a shop by slipping
their hands through the grill and lifting the latch.
He feels that a syndicate is behind these crimes.
Lim Peng, 67, a resident of Jinjang Utara for 50 years, was a victim
of vehicle theft last week when his lorry, which was parked in front
of his home, was stolen in the wee hours of the morning.
“Somebody must be masterminding these crimes. It probably takes them
only five minutes to break into and steal a lorry,” said Lim.
Locksmith Yap Kon Fatt's van was stolen from the parking lot of his
apartment in Kepong last Thursday, shortly after he returned from
work at 6pm.
“When I wanted to go out at about 9pm, I saw that my van was gone. I
had equipment worth RM10,000 in the vehicle,” said Yap, clearly
frustrated at having to cough up money to make up for his loss.
“This area is quite new - only five years - but the incidences of
theft in the area should not be underestimated,” he added.
Eric Lau, 28, has experienced four break-ins to his shop since his
father established the shop 30 years ago.
Lau lost about RM4,000 in the most recent break-in last week.
“The crime rate here has escalated in the last two years.
“Although the police make occasional patrols, I feel it is important
for them to be more observant of the neighbourhood, to notice the
environment.
“This can only be achieved if the police and residents have closer
ties with each other.
“The lack of manpower within the force cannot be used as an excuse
for the high crime rate,” said Lau.
Ma hoped that the police and the Internal Security department could
help to increase the number of security personnel.
“We hope to revitalise the Rukun Tetangga (RT) and with the RT, we
intend to form a security committee for the Kepong and Jinjang
areas.
“The committee will have regular meetings as well as work together
with the police in maintaining the security of the neighbourhood,”
said Ma, adding that recent trial runs involving the residents, to
tighten security in various areas in Jinjang had indicated the
feasibility of forming a security committee |
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