JOHOR BAHRU: In a significant breakthrough, the Johor police have successfully dismantled ‘Geng Atan,’ a criminal group notorious for house burglaries and vehicle thefts, following the arrest of four local men in separate raids conducted on December 11 last year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor police chief Datuk M Kumar revealed that the suspects, aged between 41 and 52, were apprehended under two operations named Ops Pintu and Ops Lejang. The group has been active since 2011, targeting unoccupied houses by prying open sliding doors to steal valuable items, including vehicles.

The arrests have led to the resolution of 19 reported cases of house burglaries and vehicle thefts across multiple locations, including Johor Bahru, Seri Alam, Iskandar Puteri, Pontian, Muar, Tangkak, and Kota Tinggi. Authorities seized several mobile phones, branded handbags, watches, and electronic goods belonging to the victims. Burglary tools such as allen keys, gloves, face masks, and three vehicles were also confiscated during the raids.

Kumar noted that all four suspects have prior criminal and drug-related records, with the most extensive involving 64 offences. The suspects also tested positive for methamphetamine. They are currently in remand and are scheduled to be charged at the Johor Bahru Magistrate’s Court, followed by charges at the Pontian and Muar courts.

The case is being investigated under various sections of the Penal Code, the Minor Offenses Act 1955, and the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, reflecting the serious nature of their alleged crimes.