According to a report by The Star, it was revealed that a couple residing in Taman Ria Bercham, Ipoh, experienced a series of unfortunate break-ins within a three-week period. Chan Liew Chan, 71 years old, and her husband, Tou Kum Hin, 80 years old, fell victim to these burglaries.
First burglary
The first incident occurred on 2 May when the robbers successfully infiltrated their home and managed to escape with valuables such as jewellery and money. The elderly couple discovered the ransacking of their house the following morning, leaving them in shock.
Second burglary
The second break-in took place on 11 May, and the couple strongly believed it was carried out by the same group responsible for the initial burglary. This time, the burglars became more audacious, removing the sliding front door and thoroughly searching the entire residence.
Frightened by the noise created by the robbers, Chan and Tou, who were in their ground-floor room, opted not to confront them. They remained terrified throughout the ordeal. Despite their fear, Chan confronted the intruders when they attempted to break into their room. Her pounding on the door and vocal objections frightened them away, but not before they took a pair of binoculars and RM1,000 (equivalent to S$290).
Third burglary
Tragically, the situation worsened for the couple. On 24 May, the burglars returned, displaying even more audacity. They forcefully kicked open the bedroom door, revealing their masked faces and brandishing weapons. One assailant held a knife to Chan while the other continued to ransack the house. During the confrontation, Chan was pushed to the ground, resulting in a fractured knee. This time, they lost personal documents, including identity cards and credit cards, as well as mobile phones, a car key, a laptop, handbags, and a shaver. The total value of the stolen items from all three robberies amounted to approximately RM26,000 (around S$7,600).
Hope for increased police patrols
A press conference was organized at the couple’s residence on Saturday, 27 May, where Madam Chan expressed her hope for increased police patrols in the area. She also highlighted the impact these incidents had on her sleep, stating that even the slightest sound startled her awake.
In response, Mr. Low Guo Nan, Perak MCA public service and complaints bureau chief, advised residents not to solely rely on the police for neighborhood safety. He emphasized the importance of vigilance and urged residents to ensure their homes are equipped with adequate security measures.