PETALING JAYA, May 24 — After a series of muggings by teenagers on expatriates — mainly centered around Jalan Kia Peng, Jalan Pinang and around Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)  — police have increased patrols and their presence in the problem areas.

Deployment of officers on foot, mobile patrol vehicles as well as surveillance on closed-circuit television in the area were increased by the Dang Wangi police station. 

District chief ACP Zainol Samah said studies by police to determine the average crime rate in the area showed only four reports were lodged by expatriates who were mugged by youths.

“Most of the youths, aged between 14 and 17, are believed to be affiliated to the ‘punk’ movement in the city,” Zainol said.

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He said victims were chosen at random and usually when they were walking alone.

Zainol said the most recent case was at 8.30pm on May 16, when a 43-year-old Italian who was walking back to Vipod Residences in Jalan Kia Peng was mugged by 15 teenagers.

“The victim sustained injuries on his face. The perpetrators escaped with the victim’s smartphone.”

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Zainol said police received the first report on the young thieves was on Jan 17.

A Spanish expatriate who was walking back with his wife to his home in Jalan Kia Peng was assaulted and robbed by 14 teenagers at 8.40pm.

“Three suspects aged between 15 and 17 were arrested and charged with gang robbery,” he said.

The second case was at 8pm on March 14 when an Briton was robbed while walking home in Jalan Kia Peng.

“The victim was robbed by two boys — aged 14 and 15 — who snatched his mobile phone and tried to escape but the victim, with the help of a security guard, caught them.”

The duo were also charged with gang robbery.

“The third case was alsoin Jalan Kia Peng on April 11 when eight youngsters — aged between 14 and 16 — surrounded a 64-year-old American tourist and snatched the victim’s smartphone.”

Zainol said the victim chased the suspects to KLCC and with the help of a security guard, detained two of them.