Pickpockets free to ply trade

Pickpockets free to ply trade

JAKARTA: Passengers at the Lebak Bulus bus station in South
Jakarta have complained about the increasing number of
pickpockets operating in the area. They do not only steal from
people inside the bus station but also inside the vehicles.

A 35-year-old victim, Yanti, told beritajakarta.com on
Saturday that she was not even aware that her purse had been
stolen. She only knew that she was sandwiched by two men in front
of her and two men behind her when she was about to alight from
the bus.

Another victim, Budi, said he was also sandwiched by two men
on his left and two men on his right when taking a public minivan
from the bus station.

He did not suspect them until he saw them talking after
getting out of the minivan. By that time, he just realized he had
lost his wallet.

"I still remember their faces. Next time I see them, I'll
shout at them," he warned.

Drivers at the bus stations also know the faces of the
pickpockets.

"We don't have enough courage to interfere with their crimes
against fellow citizens, but at least I never stop whenever a
bunch of pickpockets want to get into my vehicle. I can see who
has ill intentions," said Simatupang. -- JP