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