Crime goes on

Crime goes on

A series of criminal acts occurred at several different locations recently.

In Bogor, West Java, unidentified people broke into the house of Herry Jumhaer on Saturday, but failed to steal anything, as Herry's wife shouted for help. Herry hurt his fingers as one of the robbers stabbed him before escaping.

A housewife, who was on a public transport vehicle heading for a money changer on Jl. Tubagus Angke, North Jakarta, could do nothing but hand over Rp 4 million to an unknown man who pressed a knife to her neck. The robbery took place on Sunday and nobody was able to prevent it.

Also on Saturday, two ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers, without resistance, gave their motorcycles to unidentified men. Hasan, who operated in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, gave his motorbike to his customer, who in return, gave him Rp 200 and an amulet, while Simon made no resistance when a man asked him for his new motorcycle -- complete with documentation -- near his residence in Jelambar, West Jakarta.

Simon became aware of what had happened only after the man had disappeared with his new motorbike. Both Hasan and Simon said they had been hypnotized.

Sometimes we can be so frustrated surviving in this capital city, where the strong always win. The police have been working hard to curb crime, but economic necessity may have encouraged people to commit it.

-- Warta Kota, Jakarta