Anti-crime drive set for Ramadhan

Anti-crime drive set for Ramadhan

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Wiranto has said that the municipal branch of the National Stability Coordination Agency (Bakorstanasda) will go all out to prevent crime during the coming fasting month of Ramadhan.

The operation code named 'Operasi Bersih' is intended to counter the increased number of crimes expected during the fasting month, which starts this week, Wiranto told reporters over the weekend after closing an Armed Forces's civic mission program at Sukarukun village, Sukatani district, Bekasi.

The operation will focus on areas with a high frequency of crime, Wiranto told the Antara news agency.

He said that because reports compiled jointly with a number of law-enforcement related institutions show that many crimes take place early in the morning, the operation officers have been ordered to be on the alert during that time.

The two-star general assured, "We'll do our best to safeguard the security in the city so as to enable the public to undertake their activities safely and peacefully ahead of the Idul Fitri festivity."

Data at city police headquarters show that 1,374 crimes took place during the fasting month last year, of which 1,257 were street crimes, ranging from robbery, assault and vehicle thefts.

The number of traffic accidents was also high because of the many adolescents speeding around on motorcycles at daybreak.

At the closing ceremony for the ABRI civic mission, Wiranto reiterated that the program is intended mainly to support the government program on alleviating poverty. (hhr)