Mugging on pedestrian bridges

Mugging on pedestrian bridges

From Media Indonesia

I would like to ask both the police and "Tibum" (local
government public order officials) to seriously address the
security of pedestrian bridges on Jl. Jenderal Sudirman and those
in the Senayan area, in particular, the bridge in front of Pintu
Satu Senayan and Ratu Plaza, where pickpocketing and mugging is
rife.

Criminal actions usually take place at times when it is
uncrowded, such as between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 3
p.m., befalling lone crossers carrying cellphones.

One of the pickpockets (usually a team of two), while walking
ahead or side-by-side with the victim, drops a handkerchief and
bumps into the victim. The victim is surprised and caught unaware
so the other partner immediately snatches their cellphone, wallet
or any other valuable.

Lately they have become even bolder and used knives for
mugging (usually they operate in groups of four people), as
experienced by two of my colleagues.

I would like to ask "Tibum" personnel that rather than chasing
away peddlers and vendors (which may lead to clashes), it would
be better if you would look after the security of these bridges.

I would like to ask the police chief to coordinate his
personnel as per your promise 'to serve and to protect' the
public. As the location is only about 500 meters from your
headquarters, it should reflect the quality of service and
security provided by your department.

M. HUDAYA

Jakarta