Unlocked cars and easy opportunities: Criminologist warns of car theft risks

SHAH ALAM - Vehicle owners are urged to be vigilant against theft as unlocked vehicles present easy targets for opportunistic criminals, says independent criminologist Datuk Shahul Hamid Abd Rahim.

He said that the casual attitude of users who do not lock their vehicles makes it easy for such crimes to occur.

He stressed that even though vehicles may have good security features, a lack of caution and taking things lightly make them easy targets for theft.

"Crimes like this are usually not planned, but the careless attitude of users can lead to vehicle thefts.

"Many vehicle owners do not lock their cars and tend to leave the engine running, whether to go to the bathroom or refuel, giving criminals an opportunity.

"Even if the vehicle has security features, if we are careless about safety issues, it will harm the vehicle owner themselves," he told Sinar yesterday.

He added that current technology not only helps in identifying criminals but also facilitates police investigations.

"Car theft incidents often occur at petrol stations, and these areas are equipped with closed-circuit cameras (CCTV), so it is easier for management to assist victims and for the police to track down the criminals," he said.

Previously, the media reported that a 68-year-old woman sitting alone in a Honda City at a petrol station in Semambu, Kuantan, was driven away by an assailant along with the vehicle on Monday.

The victim was later abandoned about 400 metres from the petrol station but did not sustain any injuries.

Pahang Police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said that the 40-year-old suspect was arrested on Wednesday.

He added that the suspect was caught sleeping in a house he had broken into in Kampung Chinta Manis near Karak, Bentong.