A 24-year-old marketing officer lodged a police report on November 23 after receiving a call that a Public Gold ATM had been stolen from a supermarket. The incident triggered an investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects, aged between 17 and 41, by the Criminal Investigation Division of IPD Ampang Jaya.

According to Berita Harian, the arrests, which took place between November 26 and November 30 in Kuala Lumpur and Kajang, revealed that one of the suspects had an extensive criminal history with 54 prior offenses.

According to authorities, the stolen ATM unit belonged to Public Gold and was found empty, as no gold bars were inside during the theft. The estimated loss incurred was under RM60,000.

Ampang Jaya District Police Chief ACP Mohd Azam bin Ismail disclosed that the suspects specifically targeted gold ATMs in supermarkets. They hired a driver and used a truck to transport the stolen machine.

  


Urine tests conducted on the suspects revealed that two tested negative for drugs, while the third suspect tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamines. A background check showed that two of the suspects had no previous criminal records. However, the third suspect not only had 54 prior criminal offenses but was also wanted for three outstanding criminal and narcotics cases.

The first two suspects have been released on police bail, while the third suspect remains in custody under a four-day remand from December 1 to December 4, as approved by the Ampang Court.

The case is being investigated under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which covers theft in a building. If convicted, the suspects could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine, or both.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the theft, urging the public to remain vigilant against such crimes.

Source: Berita Harian