KUALA LUMPUR: Snatch thefts and cases of robbery without weapons in the city increased by more than 57% with a total 1,010 cases compared to 640 cases last year.

City police chief Commissioner Datuk Mazlan Lazim (pix) said despite an overall decrease of more than 25% in criminal cases with 11,815 cases recorded this year compared to 15,785 cases last year, snatch theft cases can be described as a worrying matter in the city.

"I want police's criminal intelligence branch (D4) and serious crime division (D9) to come up with strategies to combat these crimes," he said.

Mazlan was speaking to reporters after attending the city police monthly gathering at the police headquarters here today.

He also pointed out that one of the factors that may have contributed to the increase of robberies without weapons and snatch thefts is people's attitude of being careless and not vigilant with their own belongings, giving the opportunity for thieves to strike.

"Whatever criminals can see, they can also take. They will loiter around looking for the opportunity and they will strike if people are careless. So do not give them that chance to strike." he added.

Mazlan added police have also identified tourist areas like Bukit Bintang and Jalan Imbi as among "hotspots" targeted by these criminals.

"These crooks will go in small groups and they won't spare anyone, not even tourists.

"Sometimes pedestrians would be walking while talking on their phones and they fail to pay attention to their surroundings and such a situation will give criminals the opportunity," he said.

Mazlan added police will also be having series of campaigns to raise awareness to combat these crimes, especially in tourist areas.

Meanwhile, Mazlan also warned entertainment outlet operators to adhere to their licence conditions and avoid abusing the privileges given to police recently found drug dealers "operating" within entertainment premises.

"If you want to run a business, then do so. Do not get involved in drug abuse activities," he said.

He was commenting on the matter where police recently raided some entertainment outlets and discovered syndicates supplying drug-laced drinks to entertainment outlets and various drugs scattered on the floor.