New clues on poultry shop heist

JAKARTA (JP): A group of six men allegedly held-up a poultry shop on Jl. Raya Bogor in East Jakarta on Monday, fleeing with Rp 3 million (US$4,285), an officer said on Tuesday.

East Jakarta Police chief Lt. Col. Tjiptono said the identity of the alleged criminals and their possible hideouts were known to police.

"The robbers were often seen fooling around in the neighborhood.

"The shop's employees were able to recognize the robbers as they did not wear any masks. Hopefully, we can soon arrest the suspects," Tjiptono, who was installed last Friday, said.

The robbery took place on Monday at 6:20 p.m. just as the shop was about to close.

Tjiptono quoted the owner and witnesses as saying the six men, who appeared to be customers, casually entered the shop. They appeared to be checking whether any other customers were present before they abruptly brandished two pistols and four knives.

The weapons were aimed at 25-year-old Bachtiar, the shop's owner and his two employees, Apek and Anton.

"The robbers threatened the shop owner to open the cashier drawer and took all of the money," Tjiptono said.

Detectives sought the men in the nearby Boker red-light district, believed to be one of their hangouts, but were unsuccessful.

"Our police detectives are now leaving for Leuwiliang (in Bogor) to trace the robbers' hideout," Tjiptono said. (emf)