Flood Evacuees' Homes Burgled in Tapanuli Tengah, Thieves' Footprints Found in Mud

Two men identified by the initials JG (27) and WS (24) have been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Unit of Tapanuli Tengah Police after stealing belongings from residents who had evacuated due to flash flooding in Sipange Village, Tukka District, Tapanuli Tengah Regency, North Sumatra.

Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Tapanuli Tengah Police, Inspector Dian, said the case was uncovered following a report filed by the victim, Ledy Risnawati Sitompul, under report number LP/B/562/XII/2025/SPKT/Polres Tapanuli Tengah.

The burglary is known to have occurred on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at approximately 14:00 local time. The victim had returned to her home to inspect the condition of the building and her belongings after the flash flood struck the area.

“Upon arriving at the location, the victim found her bedroom window damaged and the iron security grille had been forced open,” said Inspector Dian on Monday (23 February).

Upon entering the house, which was still covered in residual flood mud, the victim discovered numerous suspicious footprints. After further inspection, a number of valuable items were found to be missing, including a mobile phone, a laptop, and a watch.

“As a result of this incident, the victim suffered material losses amounting to tens of millions of rupiah,” he explained.

Police subsequently conducted a crime scene investigation and interviewed several witnesses. The inquiry pointed suspicion towards two men who had previously been spotted near the location whilst the settlement was deserted, as electricity and water supplies remained cut off in the aftermath of the disaster.

“Police eventually apprehended the two suspects, namely JG (27) and WS (24). One of the suspects, WS, is currently known to already be in detention at Tapanuli Tengah Police in connection with another criminal case that occurred around the same time,” revealed Inspector Dian.

The suspects are currently undergoing further investigation. Both have been charged under Article 363 of the Indonesian Criminal Code concerning aggravated theft.

“Tapanuli Tengah Police urge the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activity, particularly in areas undergoing post-disaster recovery,” he added.