Batam police escort tourists

Batam police escort tourists

BATAM, Riau: In a bid to protect tourists from possible attack by irresponsible groups, Batam police escorted on Sunday dozens of tourists from Singapore and Malaysia who spent their weekend at the city island.

A number of police personnel guarded two minibuses full of tourists as they left a hotel and shopped at Nagoya shopping area. Some of the policemen carefully kept watch on the tourists' activities at shops.

The tight security was believed to be in response to travel agents' requests for proper security for their foreign guests.

But not all travel agents had asked for police assistance for their guests.

Another group of tourists were seen entering a shop, also in Nagoya, without any guards.

Reports said that security in Batam was generally good, but pickpockets were still widespread and holdups of foreigners could occur at any time. --ANTARA