IGP advises 'push-pocket' victims to lodge reports

Inspector-general of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar has advised the public not to fall prey to 'push-pocket' criminals who will accuse victims of stealing their personal items.

The 'push-pocket' perpetrators will blackmail victims by slipping items such as mobile phones or wallets belonging to others into the victims' pockets in crowded places around the capital.

The unsuspecting victims will later be accused of theft.

The perpetrator will subsequently offer a settlement by asking the victim to pay a sum of money or the case will be reported to the police.

Victims who are fearful will usually agree to settle the payment.

This modus operandi has gone viral on social network and it is said that the main targets are foreigners arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or who happen to be at light rail transit (LRT) stations.

Khalid advised victims not to be afraid and to ignore the perpetrators threats but instead follow them to the nearest police station.

"Should anyone come up to you and accuse you of theft, have no fear just take them to the nearest police station.

"Do not try try to settle the matter by yourself because they will not dare to go to the police station," he said when contacted by Bernama.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department chief, SAC Rusdi Mohd Isa said that so far police have not received any reports of the scam.

"Checks with Dang Wangi and Brickfields stations found no cases have been reported to the police," he told Bernama.