Man Arrested and Detained in Nantou for 'Trying His Luck' by Stealing from Unlocked Cars

(CNA, Nantou County, May 21, by reporter Hsiao Po-yang) A man surnamed Lee used the late-night hours to ride his scooter and "try his luck" by searching for unlocked vehicles to steal money from, successfully committing theft in five instances. The Nantou Precinct of the local police bureau tracked down and apprehended Lee. The case has been transferred to the judiciary, and Lee has been detained. Police are reminding the public to cultivate the habit of locking their car doors. Some members of the public are accustomed to leaving their cars unlocked when parked in front of their homes, allowing thieves to randomly try door handles and steal valuables from within. The Nantou Precinct of the Nantou County Police Bureau stated today that there has been a recent series of thefts from vehicles. Many victims only discovered that cash, coins, and even bills from their wallets were missing when they went to drive their cars in the morning, leading one frustrated victim to say, "My car is not an ATM." Upon receiving reports, the Nantou Precinct immediately reviewed roadside surveillance footage and discovered that the 40-year-old suspect, surnamed Lee, was riding his scooter at night, systematically pulling on car doors to "try his luck." When he found an unlocked door, he would open it and quickly and skillfully rummage through the vehicle for valuables. The Nantou Precinct tracked Lee's movements, reported to the Nantou District Prosecutors Office for command, and laid in wait at Lee's hideout in Taichung City, successfully arresting him. The entire case was transferred to the Nantou District Prosecutors Office on suspicion of aggravated theft under the Criminal Code, and prosecutors' request for detention was approved. Police remind the public not to leave purses, cash, or other valuables in their cars and to develop the habit of locking them. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150521