Padang Terap police chief Mulkiaman Manzar said the 31-year-old suspect gave this excuse after being arrested at 12.30am at a house in Felda Lubuk Merbau, Kedah, on May 31, Bernama reported.

Mulkiaman said the suspect, who is originally from Sik, confessed to being involved in 21 housebreaking cases in Padang Terap, resulting in losses totalling RM40,000.

“The suspect acted alone, committing the crimes around the Felda Lubuk Merbau and Naka areas nearby.

“The suspect also stole valuable items by breaking into vehicles at parking lots and houses,” he said.

Mulkiaman said police had also detained the suspect’s 30-year-old wife to assist in the investigation. She was later released on bail.

According to him, police found various tools such as bolt cutters at the suspect’s house. A car was also seized.

He said investigations led to the arrest of a second man in his 40s and the discovery of several items believed to have been stolen by the suspect, including gas cylinders, electrical appliances and mobile phones.