Ways to Prevent Snatch Thefts and Break-Ins in Sri Permai

Abstract
There has been an increased rate of snatch thefts and break ins in Sri Permai. Most of the
cases happen during night time and even some during day time. In some unfortunate cases,
valuable items such as jewellery, laptops, mobile phones and other precious items have been
stolen. In fact, sadly, some victims lost their lives when the burglars were aggressive and got
panicked. These kinds of crimes create problems for the residents and need to be solved
through preventive measures taken by the house owners, neighbourhood watch and heavy
police patrol around residence areas. This article will discuss on what police can take to combat
crimes in Sri Permai in terms of snatch thefts and break ins in that residential area.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Snatch thefts

The theft problem in the world today, in fact, occupied a large space in law. Generally, all over
the world and in Malaysia in particular, this crime is increasing rapidly. Similar to other countries,
theft in Malaysia is increasing at an alarmingly rapid rate that it now becomes one of the main
focal problems in Malaysia and among Malaysians. It is currently providing a threat to all
individuals and the public at large. This truth of the matter is explicitly demonstrated in the local
Malaysian newspapers as well as the electronic media of the television and so forth whilst the
police institutions have shown great painstaking responsibility and putting up a hard fight in
tackling these theft offences and their offenders. As the country becomes more develop, people
are living with terror, tension and pressure due to this crime.
It should be noted that among all crimes against property such as robbery, extortion, snatch,
gang robbery, burglary, blackmail and theft, theft is the most dangerous and the most current in
so many countries. That is why lawmakers try their best to control and reduce it. However, it
could be reduced in a few countries, but for many other countries, the rate of committing this
crime is still increasing, such as in Malaysia. As it is seen in TV or newspapers, the rate is
increasing alarmingly. While there is a law, the lawmakers should ensure that they try to reduce
the rate of committing theft.

In Malaysia and Southeast Asia in general, snatch theft is a criminal act of forcefully stealing
from a pedestrian's person while employing rob-and-run tactics. It is typical for two thieves to
work together and ride a moped to make theft and escape easier. A person steers the vehicle
while another does the act of theft itself. However, some snatch thieves work alone or do not
use a motorcycle to rob. A growing problem in Malaysia, some instances of snatch theft have
caused fatalities, when the person holding onto the handbag has been dragged by the
motorbike, or through subsequent acts of violence. This, combined with the apparent lack of
police control over crime, has prompted outrage among its citizens enough to take justice into
their own hands in apprehending thieves.
1.3 Break-ins
Break-in is a serious crime. According to Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary (2010) break-ins
refer to

the act or crime of illegally entering a house, building and others especially by using

force. In Malaysia the amount of break-ins increased in the period of 2007 till 2011 every year
by at least 8%. A break-in has a significant impact on the victims, not only financially but
emotionally as well. Once a break-in is committed, a repeat of the crime is very likely. A break-in
has a significant impact on the victims and is therefore a crime feared among many citizens.
Besides financial damage there are large consequences for the victims, women in particular
(Shover, 1991). Once a dwelling is burglarized, the chance of a repeat of the burglary is
relatively higher (repeat victimization). Houses in the nearby area are more at risk of getting
break-in or a burglary attempt due to the fact that burglars are familiar with the area and the
characteristics of the houses (Bernasco, 2008). Due to the large impact on victims and the
annual increase of break-ins it is important to pay attention to the prevention of burglaries breakins.
2.0 Ways to Prevent Snatch Thefts and Break-Ins in Sri Permai
2.1 House Owners
The first practical solution is by taking preventive measures by the house owners. This means
that all doors and windows should be properly closed and locked before leaving the house. You
should also inform your newspaper vendor to stop delivering any papers while you and your
family are on holidays. Uncollected newspapers in your mail box indicates an empty house. It
2

is also advisable to install security alarms or closed circuit television (CCTV) at strategic doors
or windows of your house. Any overgrown hedges or bushes should be trimmed so that your
house does not look secluded from the public. Most of these preventive measures may distract
or avoid potential burglars from targeting your house.
2.2 Organizing Neighbourhood Watch
The second recommended solution is to organize neighbourhood watch to ensure safety of its
residents. Good cooperation and commitment among the residents to take their turns in
patrolling their housing areas may help reduce the number of house burglary. Neighbors can
help to pick up mail or packages so that the house doen not seems vacant. Any intruders or
burglars will be afraid to do their criminal activities as the houses are under surveillance.
Normally, the residents would form few groups to observe and watch certain areas at certain
time at night. As a result, the residents could sleep soundly and peacefully. Thus,
neighbourhood watch does not just encourage close relationship among the community, but it
also greatly reduces house burglary.
Joint effort by relevant enforcement agencies and increasing the level of security could also
bring down the statistics involving snatch theft. A joint operation involving the public and other
voluntary agencies such as Rela, Rukun Tetangga, Anti-Drug Agency and the Police
Department should be constantly carried out. The presence of these officers however could not
guarantee that the crime would not happen at all since these officers could not be everywhere at
one particular time. Thus, other means of crime prevention such as installing more CCTV at
crime prone areas should be implemented. In addition, the setting up of special courts for street
crimes could also expedite the legal process. Thus, the above measures would help in
achieving the aimed of reducing street crime by 20% at the end of 2010 as targeted in the
governments National Key Result Areas (NKRA) and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) (The
Malay Mail, 29 July 2009).
2.3 Take a Good Care of Sri Permais surrounding
Another excellent way in preventing breaks in is by taking a good care of the residences yard
and surrounding. Planting thorny bushes or shrub under window will makes intruder think twice
before breaking in. The resident can also make sure that their lawn is mowed when they are
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away. By keeping the yard clear, this can reduce the ability of the burglar to hide when they are
trying to breaks in. Furthermore, residents can prevent breaks in by making sure that their lawn
are well lit at night. Securing sliding doors and windows are also crucial in preventing breaks in.
Burglars do not want to smash sliding glass door as it makes noise, therefore, residents are
advice to secure their sliding doors and windows by putting a broomstick or chairs behind their
doors and windows. If a resident is going away for the weekend, it is advisable do not over
advertise their absentness. Surprisingly most people love to tell people on their answering
machine that they are out of town. It is much safer to just inform the police and close neighbor to
keep an eye on the house. Purchasing a timer that will automatically turn on lamps when it gets
dark also is very important. A well-lit yard will reduce the possibilities of turning a house into a
target of breaks in. Residents also must always lock their doors and windows whenever they are
leaving the house or even when they are going to sleep. Its better to be careful than to be sorry.
Residents also can prevent breaks in by making sure valuables are not left to plain view of
intruders. By using sheer curtains that only let light in but view, it can help to avoid burglars from
targeting your house. A resident must always consider in mind whether a passerby can see their
60-inch flat screen TV from the sidewalk or not? If the answer is yes, then the house is at risk of
breaking in. Preventing strangers from observing your valuables from outside your house is
essential in order to stay out from burglars radar.
2.4 Public Awareness among the Residences
The public should be made aware of the snatch theft crime and how it could affect their life and
also their family members. Programmes like anti-snatch theft campaign and seminars on
personal security should be conducted for the purpose of educating residents on the importance
of keeping safe all the time. Furthermore, women who are generally the victims of this crime
should be encouraged to defend themselves. Rosmah Majid, the wife of the Prime Minister,
stated that Women must be taught about personal security, especially when in public places
where they are exposed to snatch thieves (New Straits Time, 2009). Pamphlets which contain
tips to avoid being victims of snatch theft and list of emergency numbers to call should be
distributed to the public. Since snatch thefts often result in death or injury to the victims, it is
hoped that this programme would help to reduce and eventually eradicate this crime in this
country.

2.5 Controlling Drug Addicts

It is essential to emphasize on the measures to control drug addicts at crime affected
areas in Sri Permai should be carried out. According to Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin, the Federal
Police CID Director Commissioner, there is a relationship between drug addicts and crime. From
the police investigation, We found that 80% of such crimes are mainly committed by drug users
to feed their addiction (The Malaysian Bar, 21 October 2009). Since drug addicts do not have
permanent income to enable them to buy illegal drugs, they usually resort to the quickest way to
earn fast cash i.e. snatch theft. They do not have any sympathies for their victims. The incident
which happened in Johor Baharu in May 2009, involving a pregnant lady who died after being
attacked by snatch thieves, proved this. Thus, reducing the number of drug addicts could
eventually help to bring the crime rates down.
2.6 Police Patrol
Last but not least is by having a heavy police patrol around the hot areas of house
burglary. The police play an important role in enforcing the rule of law and taking care public
safety. Any criminals among the society will tend to be reluctant to commit any crimes if they find
that the police are active in duty. Moreover, if there is any ex-convict with records for breaks in
are living in the neighborhood, extra patrolling attention should be given. Having police patrolling
the housing areas during the day or night time may also reduce the rate of house burglary.
In conclusion, house burglary can be solved if house owners are being more responsible
in taking some preventive measures. In addition, neighbours and police should work together to
do the neighbourhood watch. House burglary may cause trauma and other psychological and
physical effects. Thus, we should be more careful in taking care of our safety and house safety.
Reducing the crime rate especially snatch theft which has caused trauma and prolonged fear
among people in this country has become one of the main priorities of the government. In order
to avoid this crime from getting out of control, the three important strategies discussed above
i.e. awareness raising campaign about snatch theft, arresting drug addicts in high risk areas,
and combined effort by security enforcement units, should be constantly and aggressively
implemented. Furthermore, support and cooperation from the public would definitely help to
ensure that this street crime will be eradicated from this country once and for all.

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