CUTTING DOWN ON CRIME IN KAJANG, THE STAR, TUE 12 JAN 2010

Tuesday January 12, 2010

Cutting down on crime for Taman Sri Reko and Taman Hijau

By CHARLES FERNANDEZ

RESIDENTS of Taman Sri Reko and neighbouring Taman Hijau have been keeping their doors locked at all times due to a spate of break-ins recently. However, they can afford to let their guard down a bit now.

Kajang district OCPD ACP Mohd Sakaruddin Che Mood has given his personal assurance that all would be well and that the police would send patrol teams to the area.

Taman Sri Reko is home to many senior citizens who are often left alone in the morning, caring for their grandchildren and they have been keeping their doors locked at all times.

During a meeting attended by more than 30 residents from both the housing areas, the residents related how their peace of mind had been compromised since many of them had become targets of snatch thieves, robbers or even car thieves.

Taman Sri Reko and Taman Hijau

Anne Freeman, 47, from Taman Sri Reko said thieves were now employing a new method to break into the houses.

“They would first survey the area, study the movements of the residents and only break-in during a downpour.

“They know that cries for help are easily muffled by the sound of the rain,” Freeman said.

During the meeting, many of the residents told ACP Mohd Sakaruddin that they felt the police had been slow to act on their complaints.

One resident known only as Veni wanted to know if the police were supposed to get back to the complainants on the progress of an investigation.

Mohd Sakaruddin said by right, the investigating officer should get back to the complainant and inform them on the status of the case.

“They should get back to the complainants two weeks after the reports were filed and advise them on the status of their investigations,” Mohd Sakaruddin.

He also pointed out that while the residents had brought up many complaints at the meeting, the nearby police station had only received three reports last year.

“We hope in future the residents will work closely with the police. There are 1,2 million residents under the Kajang police district and the ratio is one policeman to 1,200 residents.

“We need your help to combat crime in the district before the statistics shoots up further,” he added.

Mohd Sakaruddin said residents could contact the police district headquarters at 03-8736 2222 or call him personally at 019-955 3555/019-600 0801.