Pickpockets prey on Japanese

Pickpockets prey on Japanese

JAKARTA (JP): Pickpockets and strangers asking for donations
at homes are one of the most common problems faced by Japanese
businessmen in the city, says a police spokesman.

In a meeting with high-ranking officials of the national
police over the weekend, 170 Japanese businessmen expressed the
hope that the police seriously deal with the problem, national
police spokesman, Brig. Gen. IK Ratta, said yesterday.

All the businessmen live in Jakarta.

Some participants said pickpockets often preyed on Japanese at
Blok M Plaza shopping center, said Ratta.

The two-star general quoted another foreign businessman as
saying that they also often face the dilemma of having regular
visits from strangers asking for donations.

Ratta said that the police do not differentiate between people
in their services. Therefore, the police are heedful of the
Japanese complaints.

Ratta said that no one is allowed to ask for donations from
door to door unless he or she holds official permission from the
neighborhood chief.

During the meeting at the President Hotel, the national police
chief was represented by deputy for operational affairs Maj. Gen.
MB Hutagalung. (bsr)