Empty Homes During Exodus Become Targets for Burglars: Key Modus Operandi to Watch
Empty homes left unattended during the Lebaran exodus are frequently targeted by thieves. Police warn that perpetrators typically scout and plan their operations well in advance.
The Metro Jaya Police Department has requested prospective returnees to avoid giving signs that their homes are unoccupied, including leaving lights on continuously.
“When lights are on, it usually means the house is empty. This needs to be watched carefully. These home burglary syndicates are mobile and plan their operations meticulously,” said Metro Jaya Police.
Police also urged residents to report to their neighbourhood association (RT or RW) officials before departing, and to entrust their homes to neighbours to maintain supervision.
One such incident occurred with a resident in Palmerah, West Jakarta, who lost Rp 30 million during the 2025 Lebaran exodus. The resident left their boarding house on 31 March 2025 and returned a week later. However, it was only on 9 April 2025 that they discovered the money was missing.
The perpetrator is believed to have entered through an unlocked window. The absence of functioning CCTV at the location made tracking efforts more difficult.
Another case occurred in Depok. A suspect identified as MSA (30) broke into an empty home in the Palem Ganda Asri residential complex whilst the owner was away in Yogyakarta.
The perpetrator entered through an adjacent empty house, then climbed the wall and pried open a window using a screwdriver. After gaining entry, he searched for room keys stored inside the house. The theft was only discovered when the owner returned home. Losses were estimated at Rp 25 million.
In South Jakarta, police also dismantled a burglary syndicate specialising in breaking into empty homes that had carried out more than 20 operations.
The perpetrators targeted homes at random, but based on characteristics they had already identified. In one operation, the perpetrators even operated during daytime, observing the surroundings before breaking down doors and fleeing with valuable items and even the victim’s vehicle.