Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan - A total of 54 road accidents have been reported from January 3-6, 2009, which also saw a 45-year-old man killed and five sustained minor injuries, according to the police report.

Of the total figure, 16 cases involved car collisions, 37 were self-accidents and one case was a self-accident on a motorcycle.

A further breakdown of these cases showed that 36 of these cases were reported in Brunei-Muara district, 10 in Belait, eight in Tutong and one case in Temburong district.

The number of accidents recorded over the four-day period is an increase from the number of incidents reported from December 28, 2008 to January 2, 2009, the statement said.

The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) wished to remind the public to drive carefully, especially

with poor weather conditions.

The police report also listed various criminal offences that were reported throughout the country over the course of the four days. Among these offences were three theft cases which occurred at a market in Kg Lambak, the parking lot of Kg Sg Bunga Kota Batu and at the premises of the Brunei International Airport.

Some of the items reported missing included two cell phones, a bag containing important documents, cash amounting to $800 and a camcorder. Those found guilty of committing these offences are punishable under section 379 of the penal code, which carries a sentence of three years imprisonment, a fine or both.

Two cases of breaking and entering into homes in Kg Sengkurong and Kg Sg Hanching. Jewellery was reported stolen, but the value of the losses has yet to be determined. In this case, four local females in the age range of 17 to 20 has been detained for investigative purposes.

Seven theft cases that occurred in buildings were also reported in various locations, including Kg Sg Tilong, Yayas an Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, Ministry of Education building and the Royal Brunei Sports Club in Berakas.

Among the items reported stolen include two rings worth $10,000, foreign currencies, 11 mobile phones, two digital cameras, and a chain-saw.

If found guilty of theft within a building, the sentence is seven years in jail and a fine.

One case of theft by an employee had also been reported, where a foreign man, about 25 years old, has been successfully detained for investigation of the stolen cash sum of $616.

Theft carried out by employees carries a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment and fine for those found guilty of committing the offence.

Offenders found guilty of this crime are punishable to two years' imprisonment and a stroke of the cane.

Four cases of causing bodily harm have also been reported over the four days. Those found guilty of committing these offences can be jailed for three years and a fine.

Other reports included two acts of deception, one small fire, one attempted rape and one case of gambling. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times