How the Syndicate Using the 'Bag-Sliding' Method Operated in a Bekasi Mall
Police have explained the method used by perpetrators to steal the bag of a Chinese national using the ‘bag-sliding’ modus operandi at a mall in the Hegarmukti area, Central Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java. The perpetrators acted when the victim was distracted from their belongings.
“Based on preliminary investigations, the suspects are believed to have used a method known as ‘bag-sliding’,” said the Head of Criminal Investigation of Bekasi Metro Police, AKBP Jerico Lavian Chandra, on Sunday (4/10/2026).
“This involves taking bags or belongings of visitors placed on tables or chairs when the owner’s attention is diverted,” he continued.
Police arrested several individuals during the investigation. Following examinations, the police subsequently named four individuals as suspects.
“Regarding this case, investigators are applying Article 476 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code,” he added.
Four People Arrested
Previously, Bekasi Metro Police, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Indonesian National Police (Bareskrim Polri), uncovered the theft involving the ‘bag-sliding’ method targeting a Chinese national at a mall in the Hegarmukti area, Central Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java. Four people were arrested in the operation.
“In this disclosure, Unit III Jatanras of the Bekasi Metro Police Criminal Investigation Unit, collaborating with Unit II of the Bareskrim Polri Criminal Investigation Unit, secured four individuals suspected of involvement in the theft against a Chinese national victim,” said the Head of Criminal Investigation of Bekasi Metro Police, AKBP Jerico Lavian Chandra.
The disclosure was a follow-up to public reports regarding the theft that occurred on 26 September 2026. Footage of the incident had been circulating on social media.
“The joint team conducted a series of investigations, visiting the crime scene, gathering evidence, examining CCTV footage, and identifying the characteristics of the individuals and vehicles suspected to have been used in the crime,” he said.
Based on the investigation results, police suspected the perpetrators were located in the Purwakarta area. The team then conducted a pursuit to the KM 88B Rest Area.
“On Thursday, 1 October 2026, at approximately 08:00 WIB, officers found several individuals matching the characteristics identified in the investigation. Four people were subsequently detained for further examination and in-depth investigation,” he stated.