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)