56 arrested on New Year's Eve

TANGERANG: Fifty-six suspected gang members were arrested by Tangerang Police on New Year's Eve at several public places here.

The police also confiscated a number of sharp weapons, such as machetes, sickles and knives, as well as hundreds of firecrackers and gambling tickets from the suspects.

They were arrested in areas that are prone to crime, such as Jl. Merdeka, Jl. Imam Bonjol, the main vegetable market at Cikokol, the Cimone bus terminal and the Perumnas I housing complex in Karawaci.

Tangerang Police deputy chief IGD. Adj. Sr. Comr. Sugianyar said the raids started at 3 p.m. on Tuesday and ended at 3 a.m. the following day.

Most residents spent New Year's Eve quietly at home as it rained heavily from 10 p.m. on Tuesday until 3 a.m. on Wednesday. --JP