GOMBAK: A total of 23 suspects, including two women, have been detained in connection with a series of goldsmith robberies in the Klang Valley.

       Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan said the arrests were made in operations conducted from Sept 12 to 21.

       "Seven suspects were involved in the robberies, six individuals bought the stolen loot while two kept stolen jewellery.

       "The remaining eight suspects were accomplices with knowledge of the robberies," he told a press conference at Gombak police headquarters here on Friday (Sept 24).

       Police also seized an array of stolen items including six gold bars worth RM159,488, four gold necklaces worth RM30,381, two gold bracelets worth RM11, 214, and an ankle bracelet worth RM2,396, Comm Abd Jalil said.

       "We also seized three motorcycles, 15 mobile phones, three helmets, two jackets, eight receipt books and 25 gold trading receipts.

       "We believe this group was responsible for two goldsmith robberies in Selangor and two others in Kuala Lumpur.

       "We also believe they were responsible for several snatch thefts and motorcycle thefts in the Klang Valley," he added.

       Comm Abd Jalil said the group would be armed with machetes and axes when robbing the goldsmiths.

       "Some of them would check out the target location by posing as customers to uncover any security weaknesses.

       "The robbers would use two motorcycles during the robberies and change the motorcycles' (appearance) after each robbery.

       "They would also burn the clothing used in the robberies," he said.

       Comm Abd Jalil said police are looking for two more gang members whose nicknames are "Boy Selayang" and "Atai@Atailah".

       He urged anyone with information on the case to contact Gombak investigating officer Asst Supt I. Agilan at 03-61262222 or 019-5230801; Wangsa Maju investigating officer Insp Shahrul Azzuan Sharom at 03-92899222 or 016-2014334; or the nearest police station.

       Comm Abd Jalil advised business owners, especially goldsmiths, to improve their security systems.

       "Stay vigilant always and be wary of any suspicious characters," he said.