Hakim Hayat

A 43-year-old local man found guilty of stealing a car that was parked with its engine still running at a convenience store in Kampong Mulaut was sentenced to jail by the Magistrate’s Court.

According to the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), investigations conducted by the Sengkurong Police Station through CCTV footage from the premises led to the arrest of Ezham bin Mega, who is unemployed.

The stolen car was reportedly left at the parking lot with its keys in the ignition and engine still on when the defendant hijacked it and later sold it off to a scrapyard for BND40.

The court sentenced him to 16 months in prison and ordered him to compensate BND500 to the car owner. Failure to pay the compensation will lead to an additional two months’ imprisonment.

The RBPF reminded the public to be wary of car thieves and urged car owners to lock their vehicles at all times when parked.