CCTV Camera Footage Shows How Quickly You Can Get Robbed in Malaysia

It’s common knowledge that crime is prevalent in Malaysia.

Yes, it’s possible to take certain measures to deter crime. For example, not wearing flashy jewellery when we go out, and keeping our bags zipped up tight and slung across our shoulders.

But as these CCTV camera footages below show, it just takes a split second to become a victim.

In the video above, a robbery is caught on a CCTV camera in the driveway of a house in Taman Maluri, Cheras. As the person in the house closes the gate after the owner has driven in, a group of three men rush in and hold up the occupants. After a moment, they make off with their personal belongings and ride away.

TOTAL ROBBERY TIME: 60 seconds

In this video by Facebook user Kimmy, her husband’s backpack gets stolen from the back of his chair. She and her family were dining at a restaurant in IPC Shopping Centre, Mutiara Damansara, when a man swipes the bag in one smooth motion.

TOTAL ROBBERY TIME: Less than 3 seconds

This home’s CCTV camera shows a woman is walking in front of a house in Johor Bahru, when she gets cornered by a duo on a motorbike. She tries to throw her handbag over the gate away from the thieves, but the managed to stop her and make off with her bag.

TOTAL ROBBERY TIME: 8 seconds

This CCTV camera footage reveals how this Myvi car gets its battery stolen by two men. One of the men kneels by the front wheel to unlock the bonnet. Once the bonnet is open, they simply unscrew the clamp and drive away with the battery.

TOTAL ROBBERY TIME: 45 seconds

Pickpockets steal a man’s iPad while he is waiting for his drink at a cafe in Ampang Point. Working as a pair, one man pretends to drop an item near the victims’s feet. As he is distracted, another thief takes the iPad out of his backpack on the counter.

TOTAL ROBBERY TIME: 7 seconds

Snatch theft cases are on the rise in the federal capital, according to NST, with 1,010 cases reported in 2017.

According to a letter from the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF), people should not think that such crimes “are never going to happen to me”. Instead, they should take proactive measures to ensure their safety.

Measures include keeping a close eye on valuables and bags, or keeping them on the ground when dining. When walking outdoors, keep a close eye on your surroundings and walk in a group. When driving alone, keep your bag out of sight and below the passenger seat.

Do CCTV help reduce crime?

According to the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF), the answer is yes. Installation of modern CCTVs not only help to reduce the crime rate, but it also decreases the amount of time for police to solve crimes.

But what about security for your home?

Could a CCTV camera or an alarm system prevented any of the incidents above? It’s possible.

Some burglars would think twice before committing such crimes, if they know that they are being watched, or if help were to arrive quickly.

However, a CCTV camera or an alarm system is just the first line of defence for your home. In a recent article, we provided 12 ways to deter house thieves when you go on holiday.

Besides installing a CCTV security camera system, you can also install motion-sensor lights, pause newspaper delivery, and empty your mailbox.