16-Year-Old Girl Arrested Over Suspected Motorbike Theft in NTT

A 16-year-old girl identified as VID, a resident of Larantuka town in East Flores Regency (Flotim), was apprehended by the Rapid Response Unit (URC) of the Flotim Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) after being reported for stealing a motorbike.

Flotim Police Chief AKBP Adhitya Octorio Putra stated that the suspect was arrested early on Saturday, 30 May at 3:00 AM WITA in Tabali area, Sarotari Village, Larantuka Subdistrict.

“Yes, the URC team made the arrest. The suspect is a 16-year-old female involved in motorbike theft,” Adhitya told CNNIndonesia.com on Sunday, 31 May.

He explained that the arrest followed a report of a motor vehicle theft (curanmor) filed by victim YDR from Pohon Sirih Village on Friday, 29 May.

“The victim, Y.D.R, reported the disappearance of a motorbike parked at her home in Pohon Sirih Village on Friday,” Adhitya said.

Following the report, Flotim Police Criminal Investigation Unit conducted a series of investigations to uncover and apprehend the perpetrator.

The investigation revealed that the suspect was a 16-year-old girl identified as VID.

“Within 24 hours, the URC team successfully apprehended the suspect VID, a minor aged 16, along with the stolen motorbike as evidence,” Adhitya said.

After her arrest, VID was taken to the Flotim Police Headquarters to be handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.

During questioning, it was revealed that VID committed the theft to satisfy her lifestyle.

“She stole the motorbike to be able to travel around town or for lifestyle reasons to use a motorcycle,” Adhitya said.

Adhitya added that investigators will coordinate with the Ende Regency’s Women Empowerment and Child Protection Agency (DP3A) to provide support for the suspect, as she is a child in conflict with the law (ABH).

Measures taken during VID’s legal process and detention will continue to respect her rights as a child.