The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Police have warned motorists to be cautious while driving on the city's streets following a string of similar robberies in recent months.
Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Ketut Untung Yoga Ana said Wednesday thieves had been scattering nails on streets around the capital to puncture car tires.
When motorists have been looking for tire repair shops, thieves have stolen their belongings from their cars before fleeing on motorcycles.
Yoga said street thieves usually worked in groups and it was likely there was more than one group committing this type of robbery in Jakarta.
"Similar robberies are often reported in Jakarta. We believe there is more than one group of thieves operating. With the help of victims and members of the public we will try to arrest the members of these groups," he said.
On Tuesday Koran Tempo chief editor Malela Mahargasarie fell victim to a roadside robbery.
Malela was robbed near the Lebak Bulus overpass on Jl. TB Simatupang in South Jakarta at around 10 a.m.
He was on the way to his office in Kebayoran Lama, also in South Jakarta, when a motorcyclist told him he had a flat tire.
He then parked his car in front of a row of shop houses and saw that a nail had punctured one of his tires.
The motorcyclist stopped and his passenger told Malela there was a tire repair stall nearby.
Malela locked his car and walked to the stall.
"Another man arrived at the scene and smashed the passenger side window of Malela's car and stole his wallet, which contained approximately Rp 2.5 million (US$280), his cellular phone and office documents," Yoga said.
After stealing Malela's belongings, the man fled the scene on a motorcycle.
Malela then reported the robbery to the Kebayoran Lama police.
Yoga said police had identified two men allegedly involved in the robbery but were yet to arrest them.
He said several suspects had been arrested following similar cases in Jakarta in the past.
"The thieves do not operate in specific areas. They always move around the city. That is why police cannot say or predict which areas in the capital are more prone to this type of crime," Yoga said.
"These robberies can happen anytime, anywhere, so just be careful," he said.
He said victims could send text messages to the police hotline on 1717 for assistance but could not guarantee police would be immediately able to respond due to limited personnel.
He did not suggest people call the police hotline on 122.
"You might not be able to get through on that number because many people call it. Sending an SMS message is more effective." (trw)
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Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Ketut Untung Yoga Ana said motorists should take the following precautions to avoid falling victim to street robberies:
- If you have a flat tire, do not panic. Stay calm and alert, especially in front of the person who informs you about your flat tire.
- Do not stop immediately. Try to stop at the nearest police station or security guard post.
- Crowded or public places are not 100 percent secure. Find a place where you can seek assistance.
- Send a text message to 1717 for police assistance.
- Avoid driving alone. It is safer to drive with one or more friend.
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