GEORGE TOWN: A car theft gang, which had been targeting old car models for their parts, has been crippled following the arrest of nine members in three states.

       Police believe they have solved at least 18 cases, including 13 which took place in Penang. The other five cases were reported in Kedah and Perak.

       They also seized three lorries, three cars, five motorcycles and a car engine all worth about RM150,000 from the gang, whose members are aged between 31 and 40.

       Also recovered were mobile phones, several car keys, two fake pistols and a pair of handcuffs.

       Penang deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Fisol Salleh said police are now looking for a 26-year-old suspect to help facilitate police investigations.

       Those with information can contact Sjn Maxwell Gibson at 014-878 8361.

       During a press conference at the state police headquarters yesterday, DCP Fisol said the gang’s modus operandi was to steal the vehicles using master keys.

       “Once they had done that, the stolen vehicles and machines would be cannibalised for their vehicle parts. All these were done by gang members who are mostly mechanics.

       “This gang has been active since early this year,” he said.

       DCP Fisol said the breakthrough came after a police patrol unit managed to stop two locals in a stolen lorry at KM11.8 of the Butterworth Kulim Expressway near the Kubang Semang exit on April 2.

       “Following their arrest, we managed to arrest five more suspects in Kuala Muda, Kedah, on April 7, and another two more in Baling, Kedah, on April 8,” he said.

       All the suspects have criminal records and four of them also tested positive for methamphetamine.

       The case is being investigated under Section 379A(1) of the Penal Code for vehicle theft.