Beware of pickpockets

Beware of pickpockets

From Pikiran Rakyat

On Oct. 31, 1995 at about 1:30 a.m. I took an Angkot bus from the Research and Development Office, Jl. Raya Timur, heading for Kebon Kelapa terminal, Bandung. I must start off that early to catch the bus to Jakarta, where I work.

Most of the passengers were vegetable vendors. Before we reached the terminal most of the vendors got off, and the driver continued on to Cibeureum via Kebon Kelapa.

At Cicaheum terminal, the Angkot picked up new passengers, one of them a young man of about 20 years of age who had tattooed hands. He forced his way onto the seat next to me. I did not bother to argue because he was apparently drunk, or pretended to be. I kept on the alert against my new fellow passenger though, feeling suspicious of him.

On arrival at Kebon Kelapa terminal, to my horror I found my wallet had gone. I told the driver that my wallet was missing, while the young man was still on the bus. He denied seeing any wallet. But I strongly suspected him to be the thief. Unfortunately, I could not find any security people around at the terminal. Deeply irritated, I continued my journey to Jakarta immediately, because I did not want to lose time and be late to get to work.

Folks, be warned!

ANDRI GUNAWAN

Bandung, West Java