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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