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