Police arrest 'ATM' robbers

JAKARTA: Jakarta Police detectives arrested seven members of a syndicate of robbers who have allegedly reaped around Rp 2 billion (US$231,214) from several operations since late last year.

According to the police, the suspects usually broke the Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) using a crowbar and a car jack. During operations, which usually took around 30 minutes, the robbers carried pistols.

Jakarta Police detective chief Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang said on Thursday the suspects were apprehended in a week-long police operation from April 30 to May 5. The suspects were identified as Jhon Alex, Arnold, Edy Fauzan, Efendi, Sofian, Ong Tjin Yoe and Kuolon.

Salempang added the suspects had provided the names of 14 accomplices, whom detectives were still searching for. -- JP