Motorcycle Theft Syndicate in Central Jakarta Busted, Stolen Goods Sold Cheaply

Police have arrested a gang of motorcycle thieves operating in the Central Jakarta area, apprehending three individuals in the operation. “The Johar Baru Police Criminal Investigation Unit has dismantled a motorcycle theft gang that was active in several locations within Central Jakarta. In this revelation, three perpetrators were arrested,” said Johar Baru Police Chief Kompol Saiful Anwar on Thursday (11/6/2026). Saiful stated that four people were involved in the theft, with one suspect still being pursued by the authorities. “One perpetrator remains on the wanted list,” he revealed. The case came to light following a report of a missing motorcycle in May 2026, which led to the identification of four perpetrators. “Gradually, three suspects were detained along with evidence used in the thefts,” he said. In a second case the same month, the perpetrators stole another motorcycle. Police seized equipment used by the suspects during their crimes. “From the investigation, officers arrested a suspect with the initials JJ at night and found an L-shaped key allegedly used to break into vehicles,” he explained. Further development led to the arrest of suspect A on 31 May 2026, while suspect MWP was arrested on 9 June 2026. “From the examination, it was discovered that the perpetrators carried out their actions by damaging vehicle ignitions using special tools, namely T-shaped and L-shaped keys, before making off with the victims’ motorcycles,” he added. The stolen motorcycles were then sold for Rp 2.5 million to a fence who is still being sought by police. The proceeds were shared among the perpetrators. “We are still pursuing one suspect who is at large and investigating the possible involvement of the suspects in other motorcycle theft cases,” he concluded.