18 hoodlums arrested

CILEGON, West Java: Police last week detained 18 hoodlums accused of extorting traders and travelers in Merak port.

Chief of the Cilegon police precinct Lt. Col. Indra said Saturday the operation against street thugs aimed to improve security in the vicinity in the lead-up to Idul Fitri holidays.

The hoodlums were brought to the Serang district court on various charges, ranging from extortion to pick-pocketing, Antara reported.

Police said around 100 pickpockets operated in Merak and Bakauheni in Lampung, the two major ports serving ships traveling between Sumatra and Java. (pan)