The carelessness of houseowners is among the main factors contributing to break-ins by foreign criminals, especially during the festive seasons.

Bukit Aman criminal investigation department director Mohd Bakri Zinin said the return of city residents to their hometowns provided the opportunity for foreign criminals to make easy money by breaking into homes.

"The quiet residential areas, with very few people around, make it easier for them to break into homes," he told reporters during a 'walkabout' at the Selangor Economic Development Corporation (PKNS) Complex, Shah Alam.    

He said to curb such incidents, house owners must inform the police and neighbours of their absence, and to make sure their houses were locked.

Bakri said the police needed the full cooperation of residents to facilitate patrol and surveillance activities.

    

"House owners must give information such as house address and the duration of their absence to the nearest police station.

"Those not returning home should quickly contact the police if they see aliens or anything suspicious taking place in their areas," he said.

Bakri said police statistics from January to July this year showed that house break-in cases were still under control.

"Police recorded 14,291 house break-in cases from January to July this year compared to 18,171 cases during the same period last year or a drop of 24.1 percent.

"I hope the public will cooperate continuously with the police to check, not only house break-ins but also other crimes, to ensure the security of the public, especially during the festive seasons," he added.

- Bernama