Bird-nest looters detained

BANDUNG: Police arrested nine suspected criminals yesterday who specialized in looting bird nests, which are a popular Chinese delicacy.

According to City Police Chief Lt. Col. Subagio Ishak, the gang leader, identified only as HY, admitted to having committed at least 15 burglaries in West Java.

"The gang usually loots bird nest merchants after they have observed their potential victims," Subagio said.

Early yesterday, HY, after arriving with other gang members, attempted to force a bird nest merchant couple to show him their nest storage location. Pujiono, who was threatened with a sickle, did not comply. He fought back, suffering a wound to his neck, Subagio said.

Pujiono's wife screamed to attract the attention of local residents. Three men were caught, while six others escaped. They were caught by police when their car turned upside down during a chase. In addition, three of the six fugitives were injured in a scuffle with the police.

According to HY, Subagio said, the gang has 25 members, four of which are members of the Armed Forces.

Subagio added that the gang uses women accomplices posing as their spouses to defer law enforcers' suspicions.

A woman suspect, JH, said that she regretted her involvement with the gang.

"My father had a stroke and my three children need to eat," she told the police. (17/14)