Mob beats two suspected thieves

TANGERANG (JP): Two men were severely injured by local residents after they were allegedly caught stealing a motorcycle on Jl. Kakap in the Perumnas housing complex here on Tuesday.

Tangerang Police Detective Unit chief Capt. Krisnadi said the suspects, identified as Ardi and Yapit, were beaten by a crowd before police officers arrived.

"The suspects tried to steal a motorcycle belonging to a resident called Gianto," Krisnadi said.

He said Gianto, who was accompanying his wife to a community health center, parked the motorcycle in the center's parking lot.

He spotted the vehicle being pushed away by the men several minutes later.

He gave chase and yelled for help, alerting dozens of local residents and passersby.

The men abandoned the vehicle and tried to flee. However, they were quickly surrounded.

"The two were then badly beaten by the mob but were saved later thanks to the swift arrival of the police officers," Krisnadi said. (41/jun)