Arrested After 20 Burglaries: Empty House Theft Specialists Caught in Tangerang

The Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) of the Tangerang City Metro Police has successfully apprehended two perpetrators specialising in empty house burglaries (rumsong) who had been causing widespread concern among residents. Based on the suspects’ confessions, they carried out similar criminal acts 20 times in the Tangerang area.

The two arrested suspects have the initials MDT, 24, and MR, 17. Tragically, one of the perpetrators, MR, is still a student. The arrest was made in the Neglasari area, Tangerang City, Banten, after police conducted an extended investigation.

Head of Criminal Investigation for the Tangerang City Metro Police, Adjunct Senior Commissioner Parikhesit, explained that the case came to light following a report from a victim named Dian Apriana. The victim lost a motorcycle, mobile phone, and a wallet containing important documents when he left his rented room in the Cikokol area to get food on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

“Upon returning to his rented room at around 3.45 a.m. Western Indonesia Time, the victim found the door already open and a number of his valuable belongings gone,” said Parikhesit on Monday (15/6).

Following up on the report, the investigative team conducted a series of inquiries until they successfully identified one of the suspects with the initials MDT, also known as Dilang. MDT was eventually arrested in the Neglasari area on Friday (12/6).

Following MDT’s arrest, officers then apprehended his accomplice, MR, also known as Kiwong. During the operation, police seized a number of items of evidence strongly suspected to be proceeds of crime.

During intensive questioning, the perpetrators admitted to having committed 20 burglaries in the Pinang and Tangerang City areas. Police also identified the involvement of another perpetrator in this network.

“Another perpetrator has emerged with the initials AS, also known as Ambon. This one perpetrator remains at large and is on the Wanted Persons List (DPO),” Parikhesit stressed.

For their criminal acts, the suspects are now detained in holding cells and charged under Article 477 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, related to the crime of aggravated theft. Both face a maximum prison sentence of seven years.