24-05-2025
TikTok video leads to arrest of Kajang bag thief
KAJANG: A 42-year-old man was arrested yesterday for stealing a bag from an unattended car with its doors left unlocked, following a viral TikTok video that prompted swift police action.
The suspect, who was identified from the 27-second video clip uploaded by TikTok user @husnaiberahimm, was arrested in Bangi yesterday evening.
In the video, an unidentified man dressed in black and wearing a helmet was seen stealing a bag from an unlocked car at 3.30pm on Wednesday.
Kajang district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Naazron Abd Yusof said acting on intelligence and public tip-offs, police arrested the suspect in the Bangi area at 5.18pm yesterday.
He said during the arrest, police also seized a Yamaha Y15 motorcycle and the man's clothing which he had worn while committing the crime.
"The suspect admitted to stealing bags from parked vehicles that were left unlocked with the engine running.
"Preliminary investigations revealed that he acted alone. His modus operandi was to target vehicles making quick stops. Once the driver stepped away, he would swiftly snatch valuables from inside the car without needing to break in," he said in a statement today.
He added that checks showed the suspect, who is currently unemployed, has two prior criminal offences.
"He has been remanded for three days until May 26 to assist with the investigation," he said.
When asked whether the stolen bag and its contents had been recovered, Naazron said the matter is still under investigation.
"The case is being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft, which carries a maximum penalty of seven years' jail, a fine, or both."
Naazron urged the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution, and not to leave valuables unattended in their vehicles.
"We advise the public to always lock their vehicles and not leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running and doors unsecured, even if it's just for a while," he said.
Anyone with further information or who may have been a victim of a similar incident may contact investigating officer Sergeant Norhafizah Mat Yusoff at 011-5453 9190 or the nearest police station.
