Guarded, but unsafe

The Star, Tuesday July 23, 2013

By JADE CHAN

Not safe anymore: The security guards at Taman Seri Taming have been beaten up in two separate incidents.

RESIDENTS of Taman Seri Taming, Cheras are living in fear of their safety after a spate of break-ins and robberies in their neighbourhood.

Taman Seri Taming Residents’ Association (PPTST) deputy chairman Theng Lee Ping said the four break-in and robbery cases within four consecutive days were the most serious since the gated- and-guarded system was implemented in 2006.

“The security guards were also beaten up during two separate incidents, and one group of robbers even took off with the security guard’s walkie-talkie set and wallet,” he said.

Sam Kwong Jun and his family were among the victims when their house was broken into early one Friday morning, recently.

“We were all sound asleep when my wife heard some noises outside our bedroom.

“By the time we got up, three men had already entered our bedroom.

“The men, who were armed with machetes, demanded that I hand over whatever cash I had,” said the 39-year-old finance manager.

Sam said the robbers ransacked a few rooms and fled with about RM15,000 worth of cash and jewellery.

“The entire incident happened so fast — within just 15 minutes. But it has left a lasting impact as my family has not been able to sleep for the past few nights.

“My wife is worried about being alone at home with our two daughters, as there have been burglaries in our neighbourhood even in the day,” he said.

Sam, who lodged a police report after the incident, said he planned to install an alarm system as an additional security measure.

For Daniel Yap, it was ironic that his house was broken into, after he moved in six months ago because his friends had said the neighbourhood was safe.

“I came home late one night a few weeks ago only to discover that my house had been burgled.

“I lost two laptops, a box of coins totalling about RM500, RM2,000 and a mobile phone,” said the welder.

Yap, 40, said the incident has motivated him to be actively involved in the PPTST.

“I make it a point to make my rounds at the neighbourhood’s access points and check if the security guards are doing their job properly,” he said.

Theng, meanwhile, said there are 371 terrace houses and 40 units of flats in Taman Seri Taming, with three access points or gates into the neighbourhood which are manned by security guards.

Only one gate is open for access between midnight to 6am.

“PPTST will work with the security company to tighten security in Taman Seri Taming.

“We will also have a dialogue with the police on how to address issues related to safety and security,” said Theng.

Balakong assemblyman Eddie Ng said, “I hope the police will consider redeploying their officers, such as those from the Special Branch and Pasukan Gerakan Am sections, to patrol the streets.

“I was informed by the Kajang police that they conduct regular patrols but Taman Seri Taming residents claim that they have not seen them.”

Ng said he was also told that there was an increase in the crime rate in Kajang for the first half of 2013 compared to the same period last year.

I must agree that crime rate probably in snatch thieves will be lower. This is directly due to the patrolling. Surely the mouse dare not to play if the cat is around. So, when the police does their work well, the results will show.

However, I don't think the house break in crimes have reduced. In fact, I think they are increasing judging from the stories that I have heard. In fact, a friend of mine who was having Christmas eve dinner with us had his house broken into at 8 pm. Imagine their boldness.

Anyway, I also agree that residents should also pitch in and not rely just on the police. So keep up the good job.

Until the next time, cheers.

The Star, Thursday January 5, 2012

Crime rate down in Kajang, says district police chief

THE crime rate in Kajang has gone down 19.06% compared with the previous year, Kajang district police chief Asst Comm Ab Rashid Ab Wahab said.

He said this at a recent ceremony to distribute patrolling equipment to representatives of 17 residents’ associations at Menara MPKj.

Among the items were reflective vests, caps, batons and torch lights.

In 2010, there were 5,421 crime cases. In 2011, they numbered 4,388.

“We hope more residents can take part in community policing.

“It is important to know your neighbours. It is like the tale of the boy who cries wolf when the alarm constantly goes off, your neighbours will not think much of it unless they know you and call to check with you if things are alright,” he said.

Kajang Municipal Council deputy president and secretary Zulkifli Khalid said the safety tools were given to help the neighbourhood watch in their fight against crime, especially break-in cases.

“I urge residents to carry out patrolling duties in line with the standard operating procedure and abide by the rules set by each residential area,” he said.

Well, I am amazed with the news below! To be fair to the police, we can see the patrols being done all around Kajang. I can also see police on motorcycles patrolling my housing estate and have not heard about snatch thiefs in my area. I use to hear of so many stories in the past.

I always believe that we can achieve results if we really put our hearts to resolve the problem. Kudos and well done. Hope we keep this up and improve on other issues as well.

Until the next time, cheers.

The Star, Monday November 21, 2011

Kajang crime-free for two months thanks to patrols

KAJANG: The tireless effort of police patrols with the cooperation of the community in September and October has turned Kajang, previously known for frequent cases of robbery, into a safer town.

 

Kajang assemblyman Lee Kim Sin said based on the police report, the crime rate for robbery for the two months went down to zero, which was a tremendous improvement compared to the previous months, where occurrences of crime were especially frequent during festive seasons.

He said there was not a single report or complaint made by the local community concerning robbery during that period.

Lee said this was an encouraging result from the efforts made by the police together with community leaders.

He also said the town was made a safer place thanks to constant patrolling by the police.

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.

NEW MOBILE PONDOK POLIS?

I have noticing that a few of these mobile pondok police have been erected in various areas around Kajang. These are also manned from time to time. I hope that the police are serious this time about combating the increased crime rate and not turn this into another joke or PR exercise only.

I also hope that with Dato Seri Idris Jala being appointed the new KPI Minister, one of this main task would be to bring down the crime rate quickly (I believe this was one of the KPI announced earlier).

Again, real reduction in crime rate which the man of the street can really feel, not just the window dressing numbers.

Anyhow, we all have to start somewhere......

Until then, cheers.