PASIR MAS – A pawnshop owner and his five employees had the shock of their lives when three armed robbers broke into the premises at Section 1, Jalan Besar, here yesterday.
Acting Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun said the police received a call about the incident at 4.45pm.
"While the victim was in his shop, three men wearing masks went into the premises.
"Two of the suspect were holding weapons believed to be pistols while another was holding a knife,” he said when contacted by Sinar Harian today.
Zaki said the victim and his five employees were tied up and forced to stay under a desk.
The victim was also directed to unlock a safe deposit box containing cash amounting to about RM1 million.
He said the cash and various jewellery were placed in a bag and handed over to the suspects.
"The suspect took the victim’s Perodua Alza car key before they fled the scene.
"Acting on reports and information, police had conducted Op Tutup and roadblocks all over the state.
"The police’s General Operations Force (GOF) on duty at borders were instructed to tighten their operation to track down the suspect and the stolen car,” he said.
Zaki said at about 12.30am on Friday, the 8th Battalion from Pangkalan Chepa GOF conducted a patrol in Kuala Jambu, Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat and found a Perodua Alza which was left on the roadside.
Checks revealed that the MPV was connected to the robbery in Pasir Mas.
He said further investigation into the case was being conducted and Kelantan police have called the victim and several witnesses of the incident.
"We urge the public who witnessed the incident to come forward to the nearest police station to aid in the investigation,” he said.