RM84,000 in lift parts stolen
30/03/2007 The Star By Bernard See

Their latest target is the 22-storey Kedah Road flats where 21 panels, complete with their electronic components worth RM84,000, were stolen early yesterday morning.

Residents association chairman Tay Chye Hock said the control panels, worth RM4,000 each, were discovered missing by a resident who informed him of the theft at 4am.

“The property management company told us that they would replace the control panels as soon possible so that the residents would not be inconvenienced.

“My vice-chairman Yasin Kachu Meera had already lodged a report at the Patani Road police station over the theft,” he said yester- day.

Describing the theft as professionally done, Tay said the association would be meeting up with the management company to discuss ways to prevent a recurrence.

At least seven other cases have been reported in low-cost flats in George Town since March 2.

A special task force has been formed to investigate these cases.

Deputy OCPD Supt Gan Kong Meng said investigations showed that housing contractors were the likely buyers of these control panels which they could use in their projects.

“Residents of in flats should help the police by reporting any suspicious persons in the vicinity.

“They can call the Rakan COP hotline (04-2691999),” he said.

On March 21, police recovered 15 such lift components, which were stolen from the Rifle Range flats, with the arrest of two men in Air Itam and Bayan Baru here.