Three security guards detained in 23 break-in cases of government offices

As many as 23 cases of break-ins of government offices in Putrajaya between August and October this year have been solved with the arrest of three security guards on Oct 10.

Putrajaya District Deputy Police Chief, Superintendent Mak Pak Chuai said the three suspects who were locals and aged in their 30s were arrested when they broke into the Higher Education Ministry building in Precinct 5.

He said the three suspects were hiding in the building when they realised the presence of police personnel who were inspecting the premises after receiving a report at 3.50 am on Oct 10.

The trio were subsequently arrested at about 11 am in the neighbouring area, he said.

In a press conference held at the Putrajaya Police Headquarters here today, Mak said when questioned, the three suspects admitted to being involved in 23 cases of break-ins of offices.

"Our investigations found that the suspects were used to committing the criminal activities after working hours at night," he said.

Mak said police seized 21 handphones, five tablets, one projector, two notebooks, three wristwatches and two vehicles.

He added that police believed the suspects had previously worked in the government buildings they broke into.

"Their modus operandi seemed to show that they were familiar with the buildings and exit points," he said, adding that one of the three suspects had a criminal record under Section 380 of the Penal Code.

Mak added that the case of the three suspects who were now being remanded until tomorrow, had been referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers for a proposal to be charged under Section 448 of the Penal Code and Section 380 of the Penal Code.

He also said that Putrajaya police had solved several criminal cases which were reported in October involving two cases of motorcycle thefts, one car theft and armed robbery.