Steep Rise In Car Break-In Cases

0

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: From January to mid-July this year, the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) has received reports of 230 cases of car break-in, a staggering increase compared to the same period last year, Borneo Bulletin reported.

In light of the increasing cases of car break-in nationwide, the RBPF is advising the public not to leave any valuable items in the cars as a precautionary measure, especially during the birthday celebrations of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the upcoming month of Ramadhan.

Insp Ak Saiful Amirul Mohammad bin Pg Hj Ramlee, the Head of Housebreaking and Car Theft Investigation Unit of the Royal Brunei Police Force, said this at a press conference yesterday.

“Last year, the Royal Brunei Police Force recorded around 333 cases of car break-in and this year the figure may increase. From January to mid-July, the Royal Brunei Police Force has already received some 230 cases of car break-in, which have already surpassed the number during the same period last year.”

The RBPF is doing its best to nail the criminals behind the car break-in cases and has so far managed to detain suspects in their teens to 40 years old relating to around 40 cases this year. The suspects are mostly local.

Despite efforts to curb car break-ins, the cases continue to rise with the majority of the cases reported in commercial areas.

Insp Ak Saiful Amirul Mohammad said, “Many of the cases reported were found to be due to the negligence of the victims whereby windows of the cars were closed improperly with gaps as well as leaving the cars unlocked while leaving behind valuables in plain sight in the cars.”

He advised the public to take preventive measures against car break-ins such as making sure that the vehicle is locked at all time, all windows are tightly closed and not to leave any valuables in the car as this will invite unwanted attention.

Insp Ak Saiful Amirul Mohammad added, “Please park the cars in a safe place especially in a well-lit place during the night and install alarm systems in the vehicles.” Members of the public who have any information on car break-ins or seen any suspicious figures in car parks should contact the police immediately by calling 993 or go to the nearest police station.