Cops nab used book seller for alleged theft in Kelantan libraries

A used book seller was arrested this morning for allegedly stealing rare reading materials from several libraries in Kelantan.

A source familiar with the case told Malaysiakini that the suspect, a man in his early 50s, was detained after a staff member from one of the affected libraries lodged a police report yesterday.

According to the source, the suspect’s activities had long been watched by a state-owned library and privately run premises.

“It started when one of his customers bought a book from him, but became suspicious after noticing that it carried the stamp of the private library.

“The customer then contacted the library to verify the matter, as the former knew the institution had never disposed of or given away any of its books to other parties.

“The books in the private library are part of a collection donated by the original owners or their families. In fact, they were never meant to be loaned out,” the source claimed.

Feeling suspicious, the management of the private library then launched an internal investigation, revealing that many of the books entrusted to them had gone missing from the shelves, claimed the source.

Elaborating, the source said the suspect had long been selling used books through social media platforms.

“With cooperation from both library managements, they were able to trace the suspect’s book sales and identify several stolen titles.

“Many of these were either rare or limited-edition works that were resold at high prices,” the source said.

Caught on CCTV

As for his modus operandi, the man reportedly told library staff that he frequented their premises to research cultural studies.

He would often arrive carrying a backpack and wearing a face mask, presumably to conceal his identity.

The suspect would spend some time browsing through books between the shelves, the source claimed.

“He visited many times under the pretext of doing cultural research.

“The private library’s staff began to suspect something, but initially lacked solid evidence, apart from the book that was sold to the customer who came forward.

“Eventually, the suspect’s activities were caught on CCTV footage inside one of the libraries,” said the source.

The footage showed the man hiding rare books under his jacket before leaving the premises. Following the discovery, a library staffer lodged a report at the Kota Bharu police station yesterday afternoon.

According to the report sighted by Malaysiakini, the library confirmed missing books and reviewed CCTV footage that showed the suspect acting suspiciously.

The report also stated that an online search found the stolen books being advertised for sale by the suspect.

Remand order

When contacted by Malaysiakini, Kota Bharu district police chief Rosdi Daud confirmed that police received a report from the library staff around 5pm yesterday.

He also confirmed that the police arrested the suspect at around 1am today at a home in the Kota Bharu area. It is also understood that 12 books were seized from a separate residence.

Rosdi said the case is being investigated under Section 380 of the Penal Code for theft.

The Kota Bharu Magistrate’s Court has granted a four-day remand order for the suspect starting tomorrow.

Magistrate Rais Imran Hamid issued the remand order to facilitate further investigation.

The suspect could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine, or both, and may also be caned if he is a repeat offender.

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