2 youths arrested shortly after snatching a hand phone

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Amihizam (second right) taking a closer look at the suspects’ motorcycle following their arrest by traffic police personnel.

KUCHING: A swift and coordinated response from the police led to the arrest of two youths, who snatched a hand phone from a coffee shop waitress mere metres away from the district police headquarters in Simpang Tiga yesterday.

The 21-year-old victim was walking back to her house around 11am when two youths on a motorcycle rode up to her and brazenly snatched her mobile phone from out her hand and sped off.

Unknown to the thieves, however, their criminal act was witnessed by district Traffic and Public Order chief DSP Amihizam Abdul Shukor, who directed his driver to give chase while giving a description of the suspects and their motorcycle to other personnel via his walkie-talkie.

According to Amihizam, he and his driver lost sight of the pair but were informed shortly after that the criminals were nabbed near a roundabout in Muara Tabuan by traffic police personnel.

“My men were conducting a speed trap operation in the area when they came across the suspects near a roundabout, and immediately blocked the path of the motorcycle before arresting the two youths,” he said, adding that police were able to recover the stolen phone from the duo.

The 18- and 23-year-old suspects, both from Tabuan Foochow, were brought to the police station for questioning prior to being detained in the lockup pending further investigation.

It was revealed that the elder suspect has two prior arrest records relating to motorcycle theft.

Amihizam went on to advise pedestrians, particularly women, to always be wary of their surroundings and to avoid walking alone if possible so as not to fall victim to snatch thieves.