Gang robs German's house

JAKARTA (JP): Five armed robbers broke into a house belonging to a German in Kemang Prapatan, South Jakarta, and made off with foreign currency and jewelry totaling about US$2,000 late on Monday.

According to police, the robbers arrived in a Kijang van and told the house's security guard, Sukardi, they were friends of his employer, identified as Jan Scaren.

City police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said the incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. and the robbers made off with US$1,500, HK$200, S$500, a Seiko wristwatch valued at $500 and a laser printer.

"The robbers told Sukardi they were looking for his employer and insisted on coming in through the gate," Lubis said.

One of the men then pushed Sukardi and pointed a gun at his face.

He tied up the guard with rope as his accomplices rushed to Scaren's second-floor bedroom.

"Scaren was awakened and threatened with a gun to locate the valuable goods," Lubis said.

Police suspect the gang was familiar with the house.

"But the investigation is still underway," Lubis said. (emf)