SHAH ALAM, March 1 ― The police said today they have solved at least 30 cases of motorcycle theft after crippling at least four syndicates.

The motorcycles were said to have been stolen from various locations throughout the district since December last year, and later sold to local and foreign buyers.

Motorcycles parked in secluded corners of buildings or at parking lots were usually targeted, with suspects normally working in pairs to break the front handle lock, push the bike away, and start the engine before fleeing the scene.  

Shah Alam police chief Assistant Commissioner Baharuddin Mat Taib said the bikes were sold for prices ranging from RM500 to RM2,000, with the option of installment payments made available to buyers by the suspects.

"These syndicates and individuals have been terrorising the district resulting in motorcycle theft being the biggest contributor to the crime index in the district.

"After an increase of more than 44 per cent in such cases this year as compared to the same period in 2017, a special task force was formed to combat the menace,” he said.

Operations kicked off at the beginning of February, as Baharuddin said the task force managed to take down four syndicates and three individuals believed to be responsible for the thefts.

A total of 24 people aged from 17 to 35, including a woman and three of the motorcycle buyers, were arrested during the operations.

He said the four crippled syndicates were dubbed Gang Ayie, Gang Iwan, Gang Shukri Botak, and Gang Syafik 18.

"Several suspects arrested had previous criminal records also for motorcycle theft, and few for drug abuse,” he said.  

Police also seized a total of 20 stolen motorcycles, 12 motorcycle frames, two engines, and several other cannibalised vehicle components.

The case is being investigated for theft, dishonestly receiving stolen property, and assisting in concealment of stolen property.