Motorcycle thieves thwarted

TANGERANG (JP): Following a two-fold increase in motorcycle prices, high demand for the transport in the greater Jakarta area is prompting many criminals to turn to motorcycle theft, despite a police shoot-on-sight order.

A favorite target of criminals is the ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver.

In Tangerang alone, dozens of motorcycles rented and owned by ojek drivers have been stolen this year.

A number of drivers have suffered violent deaths at the hand of motorcycle thieves.

The increasingly dangerous field of employment, has not led Tangerang ojek drivers to suspend their services.

On Tuesday evening, ojek driver Dayat, suffered severe stab wounds from an alleged motorcycle thief at Kotabumi.

After picking the passenger up at Kotabumi terminal at about 8 p.m., Dayat drove the man to Vila Regency II housing complex, the victim said on Wednesday.

At the destination, two male accomplices were waiting.

"The three then tried to grab my motorcycle. But I fought back since it's my only means to earn a living."

By chance, some of Dayat's fellow drivers turned up, prompting the thwarted thieves to sprint from the site. (41/jun)