Antithuggery team established

Antithuggery team established

YOGYAKARTA: In response to a concerning rise in violent crimes in
the city, the Yogyakarta City Police have formed a special
antithuggery team to deal with the problem.

Comprising over 50 police officers from the Buser (mobile
detective unit) team and the violence and crime eradication team,
the antithuggery unit will be armed with special strategies and
ways of dealing with thugs.

"Of course we will not reveal the strategies. It's a secret,"
head of the Investigation and Crime Unit at the Yogyakarta City
Police, Comm. Rudi Hartono, said early this week.

Rudi said violent crime in the city had reached alarming
levels. Groups of preman (thugs), he said, were committing
violence and extortion in the open.

"What is even more concerning is that they don't just attack
ordinary people. Many security people are attacked as well," Rudi
said, expressing hope that the establishment of the special team
would significantly reduce crime in the city.

"We have listed all of the suspected thugs. We will be ready
to take action by the middle of this month," Rudi said. -- JP