Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan said the state had recorded 5,779 crimes of various types since Jan 1 compared to 5,484 cases within the same period last year.

He blamed the 5% increase in the figures on sexual offences involving minors and domestic violence.

“We believe children’s easy access and unmonitored social media habits have exposed them to sexual crimes,” he said, without divulging the figures.

However, Hussein said he was not concerned by the latest crime statistics because they are below the threshold set under the police’s 2021-2025 strategic plan.

Separately, he also said there were attempts by organised crime gangs to set up gambling dens in Selangor but police were alert to take immediate action based on intelligence.

“Sometimes, they (the gangs) try their luck by opening up (gambling dens) somewhere, but we will take immediate action. So it’s an ongoing process,” he said.

Previously, an allegation surfaced on social media that the number of gambling dens was on the increase in Selangor, notably in and around Kajang, Klang and Shah Alam.

Last month, Bukit Aman CID director Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay warned district police chiefs they would face action if found to be in cahoots with these gangs.