2010/02/17
From Johor Buzz

THE Segamat "ninja" police squad formed early this year has successfully reduced the number of motorcycle thefts in the area by more than 50 per cent.

District police chief Superintendant Abdul Majid Mohd Ali (second from right) says the squad has reduced the number of motorcycle theft by 50 per cent.

District police chief Superintendant Abdul Majid Mohd Ali said police also confiscated three stolen motorcycles, a knuckle duster and a laptop computer which had been reported stolen.

The squad, made up of six officers on motorcycles led by Inspector Abdul Manan Mohamad, was the second of such teams formed after the first one in the Johor Baru South police district.

"Since they are on motorcycles, the squad is able to prevent snatch thefts, motorcycle thefts and street crimes such as illegal racing. They are able to pursue the suspects quickly," Majid said.

"Motorcycle theft cases in Segamat have dropped drastically since the squad was set up. The team has also made some arrests," he added. Motorcycle thefts had dropped from 30 per month to only 12.

Two of the motorcycles used by the squad were contributions from the Johor police headquarters. Four officers use their own bikes. Majid commended the efforts of these officers who were willing to spend their own money to repair and upgrade their motorcycles for use while they are on patrol.