KUALA LUMPUR: Eight men and three women have been arrested in connection with the theft of underground telecommunications cables.
Ampang Jaya police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Azam Ismail said they received information from the police motorcycle patrol unit at 5.23am on Friday about a several people acting suspiciously in a vehicle.
"The patrolmen attempted to stop the car but it sped off towards the Sungai Besi-Ulu Klang Elevated Expressway (SUKE).
"One of the suspects tried to jump out of the car during the chase but both suspects aged 28 and 34 were apprehended," he said in a statement.
Azam said technicians from a telecommunications company were called and investigations revealed that the suspects were believed to have been involved in cable theft along Jalan Hillview in Hulu Kelang.
"A day later, between 5pm and 6.30pm, police managed to arrest six more men and three women aged between 17 and 33 near Bandar Botani and Jalan Taman Kem Pelabuhan, Klang.
"Police also seized 76 cables of various lengths, four cars, three drills, a welding machine, a crowbar, two manhole keys and four mobile phones," he said, adding that two of the suspects tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine use.
He said nine of the suspects had prior records for drug offences and other crimes.
"Initial investigations revealed the suspects were believed to be involved in four cases in Ampang Jaya, two in Shah Alam and three in Melaka.
"We believe the suspects were active for over a year," he said, adding that they targetted underground cables.
He said checks revealed that the suspects would pull out the underground cables using a pick-up truck.
"The suspects have been remanded to assist further investigations," he said.
