Top 10 crime zones in Johor Bahru

With year-end festivities approaching, many Singaporeans like to flock to Johor Bahru, Malaysia to shop. While the ringgit makes it an attractive lure for Singaporean shoppers, it is always helpful to know where the crime hotspots are and how to avoid them.

Chinese newspaper Shin Min Daily News has compiled a list of the top ten crime zones in Johor Bahru:

1. Larkin Bus Terminal

Many buses from all over Malaysia transit at Larkin Bus Terminal, and very often, the occasional pickpocket can be seen.

2. Taman Johor Jaya

There are many shopping malls, eateries and hypermarkets in the northern suburbs of Johor Bahru where tourists like to patronise. The Chinese daily said that on Dec 8, there was a case of snatch theft where robbers on motorcyles opened the door of a car at a traffic light to steal a passenger's bag.

3. Taman Sentosa

According to newspaper reports, motorcycle robbers snatched a package worth 2,000 yuan (S$430) from a customer outside a restaurant in the area on Nov 21. A few days later, a woman lost her handbag to robbers while standing along the same location. Shin Min Daily News said the woman fell and sustained bruises when the bag was pulled from her.

4. Taman Pelangi

This residential area with shops, eateries, and nightclubs is also a hot crime spot. On April 2, a Singapore-registered car was stolen here.

5. The petrok kiosk near CIQ

This petrol kiosk's proximity to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) makes it a target for criminals since many Singapore-registered cars frequent the area.

6. Taman Universiti

According to online reports, cyclists have tried to break open car doors on Dec 1 and 9.

7. Taman Century

A 31-year-old woman was the target of thieves on Nov 23 when she was dragged, kicked, and had her bag stolen in the area.

8. Stulang Laut

A Chinese woman was robbed by motorcycle bandits while walking home while another was killed after bandits stabbed the victim in the back.

9. Taman Molek

The business district is witness to stolen drain covers, stolen meters and the occasional snatch theft.

10. Taman Sri Tebrau, Jalan Keris

The popular dining area is a hotspot for thieves. On Aug 14, a Singaporean couple had parked their Honda near an eatery when it disappeared after 15 minutes.

debwong@sph.com.sg