By admin 
GEORGE TOWN: They were suspected of stealing and smuggling abroad at least 33 vehicles, mostly 4x4s, since the start of this year.
But it was the end of the road for three car thieves after they got into a shootout with police officers early yesterday, resulting in their deaths.
Penang Police Chief Comm. Datuk Hamzah Ahmad, said during a crime prevention operation by the George Town and South Seberang Perai District Criminal Investigation Departments, the three men were spotted suspiciously along Jalan Changkat in Pulau Burung, Nibong Tebal at 5.30am yesterday.
“They were in two vehicles parked along the road.
“Police officers approached the vehicles and identified themselves.
“Then suddenly the suspects opened fire,” Comm Hamzah said.
Police returned fire and the trio were killed in the shootout.
Comm Hamzah said at a press conference yesterday that the three local men were aged between 30 and 42.
They had multiple weapons, including a semi-automatic pistol and a revolver, ammunition, two machetes, scissors, a screwdriver and various electronic gadgets believed to be intended to disable car alarm and anti-theft systems.
The 42-year-old man is said to be the mastermind and had committed 35 previous criminal offenses and eight drug-related crimes.
Another suspect had committed six previous drug-related crimes. The third suspect had no criminal record.
“It is believed that they have stolen cars with the intention of sending them to neighboring countries.
“We thought they were mainly operating in Penang.
“We have managed to solve 33 cases of car thefts and robberies from this incident, amounting to RM4mil,” said Comm Hamzah.
The Star reported on Monday that car thefts had increased, with more and more SUVs and pick-up trucks being stolen due to rising demand on the black market.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said their investigation revealed that car theft syndicates were targeting 4x4s and SUVs as they fetched higher prices on the black market.