Cops pull the plug on robbers disguised as plumbers

The Star 25/10/2004

KUALA LUMPUR: They usually introduced themselves as plumbers to security guards at condominiums and apartments, saying they were there to repair a leaking pipe at a particular unit. 

The guards, believing their convincing act, will allow the three men, complete with toolboxes, to come into the compound. 

Once inside the condominium compound, the men ring the doorbells of the units on the upper floors to check if anyone is home. 

The “plumbers” then use a crowbar and metal cutters to prise open the iron grille of the apartments. 

They would ransack the units for several minutes, mainly for cash, jewellery, small electrical items, liquor and designer clothes.  

They would then take the stolen items to their rented car before bidding farewell to the guards. 

The men dropped off their loot at an undisclosed location before returning the car. 

The gang, which is known to change vehicles after carrying out several robberies, is believed to be behind more than a dozen break-ins around Sentul in recent weeks. 

They are said to have carted away loot amounting to RM100,000. 

The gang’s activities came to an end when police detectives on crime prevention rounds noticed three men behaving suspiciously in a car along Jalan Sentul Bahagia at about noon on Friday. 

Upon stopping the vehicle, police recovered an array of tools, including crowbars and metal cutters, in the boot. 

Sentul OCDP Asst Comm A. Thaiveegan said the men who are in their 20s have been remanded to assist in investigations.