9 Robbery Suspects Nabbed
By Za'im Zaini & Liza Mohammad

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Royal Brunei Police Force with help from their counterparts from across the border have successfully detained nine suspects believed to be involved in two recent armed robberies at houses in Kg Batang Mitus and Kg Bebatik Kilanas within 48 hours of both incidents.

The search operation to track down the suspects involved more than 200 police personnel over the past 48 hours comprising from various units including forest rangers, CID (crime investigation department) and personnel from police districts.

Meanwhile, areas in Kampong Sungai Teraban and the Sungai Tujoh border in Kuala Belait were heavily guarded by over 100 police rangers and CID as well as personnel from the Gurkha Reserve Canine Unit since Monday to hunt those believed to be involved in the armed robberies.

Virtually the whole of Sungai Teraban village and a mouse trail, believed to be a pathway for immigrants to cross the border illegally, were surrounded by police and sniffer dogs.

The information about the suspects came from the arrest of two men, an Indonesian and a local believed to be involved in the heist, at Sungai Tuj oh border area about gam on the same day.

The local man, reportedly an illegal "taxi sapu" driver, allegedly attempted to transport two of the suspects to the border. According to police information, the driver dropped off one of the suspects at a workshop in Kampong Sungai Teraban before heading to the border.

The Commissioner of Police thanked members of the public for their assistance in providing information, which led to the capture of the group believed to be involved in both robberies.

According to police, one of the nine suspects is being hunted since 2003 for suspicion of his involvement in a series of robberies.

Police are continuing with their investigations and will soon make recommendations to prosecutors to file appropriate charges.

Members of the public have been urged to be cautious as cases like these only go on to show that sometimes the public unintentionally provide opportunities for criminals to break into their houses by not properly securing windows or doors, said the Police Commissioner.

He reiterated his department's emphasis on community policing and one of the mechanisms is the village neighbourhood watch.

Asked about the possible installation of CCTV in crime prevention like in Hong Kong, the Commissioner said that it is among one of the measures being considered at the moment.

Pehin Zainuddin said as public involvement plays a key role, members of the public must come forward if they have information that can assist in investigations.

He added that a majority of cases happen before the eyes of the public and it would be difficult for police to investigate if the public does not come forward to provide information.

"It does not mean cases cannot be investigated by police but it is better if the public comes forward to provide information," he said.

The Commissioner also spoke about the importance of global networking among police forces and cited the present case as an example of cooperation with neighbouring countries that can produce results that we want.

At the CID Building in Ong Sum Ping, the police displayed cash and goods that were confiscated from the nine suspects, as well as some of the weapons allegedly used in committing the crime as evidence. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Related News: Sword-Wielding Gang In Dawn Heist | Second Armed Robbery In Two Days

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