Elite police regiment used to fight robbers

Elite police regiment used to fight robbers

JAKARTA (JP): City police chiefs have deployed 30 members of their elite mobile regiment to help the Bekasi police protect local people from robbers.

"The 30 plainclothes officers armed with standard detective equipment, such as guns and handcuffs, are also assigned to train the area's residents, particularly youngsters, on how to guard their own villages," City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna said yesterday.

The regency of Bekasi, home to 2.7 million people, is located 30 kms east of the capital. It covers 1,245 square kilometers. It has been rocked by a series of five robberies and gang rapes in the past few weeks.

Most of the incidents took place in remote villages, far away from other houses and police stations.

Besides stealing money and jewelry, the criminals also used the opportunity to rape the female members of the families they robbed.

The arrival of the 30 officers from Jakarta has been warmly welcomed by the local community.

"We really hope that the elite force will deter the criminals, most of whom are outsiders, from committing crimes in this area," Raman Matang, 57, a senior resident, told The Jakarta Post in Bekasi yesterday.

"Kick the criminals out of this town," said a businessman, who refused to be named.

Bekasi Police Chief Lt. Col. Elfrizo Tobing said: "Many villages here have turned into lonely, gloomy areas after property developers 'cleared' nearby neighborhoods. This has apparently given many opportunities to the bandits to carry out their missions." (bsr)