SABAK BERNAM, MALAYSIA: Police smashed a syndicate believed to be responsible for the theft of more than 50 lorries in the Klang Valley with the arrest of nine men here last week.

The nine, aged between 21 and 55, were arrested in a series of operations conducted around Sabak Bernam by the police between Dec 10 and 19.

The operation began at a house here on Dec 10 where police arrested a suspect. Follow-up operations led to eight men being apprehended.

Initial checks showed that two of the nine had convictions for theft. Police also recovered 16 stolen lorries from various locations including Jinjang.

It is learnt that police are looking for three more suspects, including the mastermind who is believed to have gone into hiding.

Selangor police chief Deputy Commissioner Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar said the syndicate had been operating since 2004.

"The syndicate members operated mainly in the Klang Valley targeting one- and two-tonne lorries. They would tamper with the stolen lorries' engine chassis numbers and resell them at bargain prices of between RM7,000 and RM10,000 each to estate contractors or rice farmers."

Khalid urged the public to help them locate the three other suspects. They can contact the nearest police station if they have information.