Police arrest dove racing gamblers

KEBUMEN, Central Java: Police have arrested 18 people making bets on dove racing.

Lt. Susilo Utomo said police also seized 60 doves, 10 motorcycles and 15 bicycles during a raid in Mrentul village, Mirit district. Twenty other gamblers managed to escape.

He told The Jakarta Post that the people bet between Rp 5,000 and Rp 25,000 on the outcome of dove races.

Betting was usually done in the afternoon. The men gathered in a field and released the birds. They then placed bets on the birds which they believed would return first.

The police bust came after local residents complained of the activities. (wah/sim)