PORT DICKSON, MALAYSIA - Criminal boldness was taken to a new level when thieves broke into police barracks and made off with five motorcycles used for crime prevention patrols.

The motorcycles are believed to have been loaded onto a boat which had docked next to the barracks situated by the sea in Pasir Panjang here.

The theft is believed to have occurred in the early hours of Monday.

It was discovered by three policemen on sentry duty.

The policemen heard the sound of a boat and on inspecting found the boat going out to sea.

Further checks later revealed that five motorcycles which were parked in the compound were missing.

The barracks are situated in a bungalow by the seaside.

It is believed that the thieves waited for high tide before bringing the boat close to the shore.

Police also believe that the motorcycles have been smuggled to a neighbouring country.

District police chief Superintendent Mazlan Othman said they believe the thieves must have thought they were breaking into a large bungalow and not the compound of police barracks.

"The bungalow is situated on a hill which is brightly lit. We believe at least six suspects were involved in the theft," Mazlan said.

He said a similar incident occurred two months ago at the Pengkalan Kempas police barracks when a group of foreigners trespassed into the compound.

Mazlan added that the group was shocked when they realised they had entered a police compound.

They were quickly spotted and arrested.

Early last month, police had found six motorcycles along the beach near Pasir Panjang. They were believed to be waiting to be smuggled into a neighbouring country.

"We will be increasing patrols along the beach especially near hotels and resorts," Mazlan added.