MELAKA: Cases of the theft of donation boxes were reported in mosques and surau in the state has contributed to an increase in crime rates, say Melaka police.

       Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Abdul Majid Mohd Ali said such thefts recorded a spike of 163% for the first two months of this year.

       The Melaka police chief said 21 cases were registered between January and February compared with eight cases during the corresponding period in 2021.

       “The increase of 13 cases was a worrying trend as the perpetrators detained included a 15-year-old boy who was believed to be a drug addict,” he said on Thursday (March 3).

       He said police have asked the committee members of these places of worship to clear their donation boxes on a daily basis and install CCTVs to prevent such thefts.

       “Precautionary measures must be taken although the losses incurred by these places of worship only totalled RM5,000 this year,” he said.

       DCP Abdul Majid added that most of these incidents had occurred at locations, namely at Tanjung Minyak, Batang Tiga, Kandang, Tanjung Kling, Kuala Sungai Baru, Masjid Tanah and Alor Gajah.