Johor police have exposed a car theft syndicate that can steal luxury vehicles in just 30 seconds, despite these vehicles being equipped with alarms and immobiliser systems. Johor police chief M. Kumar detailed the syndicate’s operations and the significant arrests made during a statewide operation targeting vehicle theft syndicates, according to Malay Mail.

Key Details of the Syndicate’s Modus Operandi

• Targeted Vehicles: The syndicate focuses on luxury and four-wheel drive vehicles, which are sold on the black market in a neighbouring country.

• Operational Tactics:
  • The syndicate operates in pairs to steal high-end vehicles.
  • They use an electronic programmer to start modern vehicles without a key.
  • A jammer device is employed to disable the vehicle’s GPS and alarm system within 30 seconds.
• Duration of Activity: Initial investigations reveal that the syndicate has been active for five to six months.

Arrests and Operations

• Arrests: Eight men aged between 27 and 49, including the syndicate’s mastermind, have been arrested.
• Other Syndicates: During the month-long Ops Lejang operation (June 21 to July 21), police crippled three other luxury vehicle theft syndicates, two groups specialising in used car theft, and three local motorcycle theft groups, resulting in a total of 24 arrests.

• Seized Vehicles:
  • 81 vehicles were seized, including 25 cars, a van, four lorries, 51 motorcycles, and 13 motorcycle frames.
  • Additionally, police confiscated 30 vehicle components and various vehicle theft equipment from the suspects.

Legal Proceedings

• The cases are being investigated under several sections of the Penal Code:
  • Section 379A for vehicle theft
  • Section 411 for possession of stolen property
  • Section 414 for disposing of stolen property
  • Section 29(1) of the Minor Offences Act 1955

Statistics and Preferences

• Stolen Vehicles: Since January, 69 luxury and four-wheel drive vehicles worth RM8.8 million have been reported missing in Johor.
• Preferred Models: The syndicate favours models like Toyota Hilux, Toyota Alphard, Toyota Vellfire, and Toyota Fortuner.
• Market Demand: These vehicles are in high demand in neighbouring foreign markets and are disposed off for RM30,000 to RM40,000.

The Johor police’s successful operations have significantly disrupted vehicle theft syndicates, showcasing their commitment to curbing property crimes. The sophisticated methods employed by these syndicates highlight the need for advanced security measures to protect high-end vehicles from such tech-savvy criminals.