Car Theft

Written by Geraldine in highlighting to other runners of the recent spate of car thefts.

The racing season is here and it is filching season as well, judging from the number of car thefts that had happened during these races. The record probably went to the latest New Balance 15k run on Sunday 18 May where I heard that 12 cars were broken in! These cars were parked along the roadside near the starting line. You can imagine the absolute solitude after gun-off – a perfect opportunity to break in with help of a look-out. There must be a 'syndicate' which is targeting cars of runners as they know the ins and outs of race behaviour.

This car belongs to one of the Pacesetters runners. Both the side glass panels are smashed by the burglar

Since Bomba Run which I had witnessed a man talking to the toilet janitor about his mobile being stolen in his car which was parked right behind Royal Selangor Club (and right in front of the public toilet!), there were more to come after that Sunday. I am unsure if any police reports were lodged; then again, does this course of action help car owners?

What can we do about it? Naturally, take what is minimally required, like driver's license and RM 100. If handphone can be done without, until you get home, then it's one less headache to deal with in case of loss.

Perhaps, soon enough, event organizers may have to look into this. Do take care of your personal belongings and choose your spot prudently.

Happy Running!

By Geraldine

Photos by Jason Lee, taken during Merdeka Run on 31/08/2007

Note by KC: Leave those credit cards at home and ignore the tagline “Don’t leave home without it!” Unless you plan to do serious shopping immediately after the run. With RM 100, you can buy many rounds of teh tarik, even to other runners. I am not too sure about whether the burglar can detect electrical gadget, for example, handphone in the car. You may want to turn the handset off.

Never put your traveling bag (containing your towel, clothing, etc) in the cabin of the car. The bag attracts burglar. The burglar will break the glass to retrieve the bag, causing damage to the car.