Police Arrest Recidivist Truck Thief in Tangerang, 2 Suspects Wanted

The Criminal Investigation Unit of Benda Police Station successfully apprehended a recidivist perpetrator of motor vehicle theft in Tangerang, Banten. The suspect, identified as TK (31), is a repeat offender who has stolen vehicles on two previous occasions.

The suspect committed the theft in the Benda District area of Tangerang City on Monday, 2 February 2026. The operational team developed their investigation based on a report of a stolen Colt Diesel vehicle valued at Rp 150 million.

TK was arrested in Lebak Regency, Banten. During questioning, the suspect admitted to being a recidivist who had committed vehicle theft on two occasions previously.

“This suspect is a recidivist in motor vehicle theft cases who previously served a sentence at Rangkasbitung Prison in 2016. From our investigation, the suspect confessed to committing vehicle theft on two occasions,” stated Tangerang City Metro Police Chief Brigadier General Raden Muhammad Jauhari in his statement on Monday, 2 March 2026.

Raden revealed that the suspect attempted to cover his tracks by changing the colour of the truck bed using black spray paint and installing fake registration plates. The original licence plate was hidden inside the vehicle.

“The suspect’s method is to steal vehicles in the early morning hours, then transport them outside the city to sell them. The vehicles are altered in appearance to make them difficult to recognise by the owner or by officers,” he explained.

The Criminal Investigation Unit of Benda Police Station secured evidence including one unit of a 2007 Mitsubishi Colt Diesel, a machete used during the theft, original and fake registration plates, six cans of spray paint, and adhesive used for affixing plates.

Separately, Benda Police Chief First Inspector Sriyono added that the suspect did not act alone. Based on their investigation, two other accomplices are now listed on the Wanted Persons List, identified as IA and R.

“We are continuing our pursuit of the other two suspects. There is no room for criminals in Benda Police Station’s jurisdiction. We will take firm action according to applicable law,” said First Inspector Sriyono.

For his actions, the suspect has been charged under Article 477 of the Indonesian Criminal Code regarding theft with aggravating circumstances, carrying a maximum prison sentence of seven years.

Tangerang City Metro Police is appealing to the public to use additional security measures and immediately report any suspicious activity to their call centre on the 110 service number. Security is a shared responsibility.