BUKIT MERTAJAM, Nov 26 — A man, who is alleged to be responsible for theft of electrical appliances and money from donation boxes in mosques in the Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT) district has been detained.

SPT district police chief ACP Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid said the 22-year-old suspect was arrested at a motorcycle parking area at Pangsapuri Limau Manis here at about 4.20pm yesterday.

Following investigation, he said, the suspect was believed to be responsible for the theft reported at Masjid Jamek Padang Lalang and Masjid Jamek Kebun Sireh here, he said.

"The suspect pretended to be homeless and sought shelter at the mosques before stealing the electrical appliances and money from the donation boxes,” he said, adding that police also arrested a scrap metal dealer, aged 49, for allegedly buying the stolen items from the suspect.

In another development, Nik Ros Azhan said a 50-year-old man, who is unemployed, was also arrested yesterday for stealing money from a donation box at Masjid Kampung Setol, Jalan Baru here. — Bernama