Beware of thugs

If you drive yourself, particularly if you are a bule, then be careful. A gang of criminals is operating in Kemang. They are after your handbag, briefcase or attache case. You may be waiting at a red traffic light, when, somewhere from behind, they will slash your tires.

This happened to me recently, I found a safe place to park, stopped the car, got out and looked around for somebody to help. I found two men, who were quite friendly and helped me change the tire. I was busy taking out the tools and chatting to my two helpers, when, suddenly, I realized that my handbag was missing from where I had left it, on the backseat. I was shocked, and asked the two men whether they had seen anybody but, of course, they strongly rejected any involvement.

I think a very experienced team was behind the theft. I lost my papers, quite a lot of money and my brand new handbag. Luckily, at the time of the incident, I had my cell phone on me and could stop my credit card straightaway.

I am still asking myself how this could have happened? Were the two helpers involved, or was a third person assisting? I haven't found the answer, but I will certainly be more careful in the future.

KARIN WEBER Jakarta