[opelayday]

The Star/Asia News Network
Sunday, Jul 08, 2012

KOTA KINABALU - A 13-year-old girl is among six prostitutes arrested for helping a gang of thieves steal their clients' wallets and personal belongings.

City police deputy chief Supt M. Chandra said the prostitutes, the oldest of whom is only 20, were arrested while waiting for customers along the back alleys of Kampung Air near the city's downtown area.

Supt Chandra said the prostitutes-cum-thieves, known locally as ting-ting, would lure their clients to a specially-modified room after offering their services for between RM30(S$12) and RM50.

He said the modus operandi of the prostitutes was to have their accomplices hide in a secret compartment in the room, and steal wallets and valuables while the men were "busy".

"Suddenly, the girl would pretend to get a call warning that police were coming to raid the place, causing the client to abruptly leave the room without realising that he had been robbed," he added.

The suspects have been placed under remand, said Supt Chandra, adding that the case was being investigated under Section 380 of the Penal Code for theft.