Police Arrest Thief Targeting Luxury Hotels in Jakarta
The Mobile Crime Unit (Resmob) of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police’s General Crime Directorate has arrested a man identified by the initials NW (43), suspected of committing thefts at several luxury hotels across Jakarta.
NW was last recorded carrying out his activities at a hotel in the Sudirman area of Central Jakarta on Tuesday (10 February). His actions were captured on CCTV cameras and the footage went viral on social media.
“The suspect operated by disguising himself as an employee or event participant, wearing batik clothing and a lanyard to avoid raising suspicion,” said Jakarta Metropolitan Police Public Relations Chief Commissioner Budi Hermanto in a statement on Monday (16 February).
In his most recent crime, NW managed to take the victim’s belongings that had been left in a meeting room during a lunch break. A bag containing a mobile phone had been placed on a chair, whilst a laptop was under the table.
As a result, the victim lost a black rucksack containing an Oppo Reno 10 X Zoom mobile phone, a Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3i laptop, and Rp300,000 in cash. The victim immediately filed a report with the Tanah Abang Police Station.
Based on the report, the Mobile Crime team conducted an investigation by reviewing CCTV footage from the scene. Their analysis revealed similarities with two other theft cases that occurred in October 2025 and August 2025 at hotels in the Central Jakarta area.
“The suspect is believed to have targeted seminars or meetings at star-rated hotels. He would enter dressed smartly like an office worker, wearing batik and a lanyard, and carrying a bag, allowing him to freely take victims’ belongings left unattended,” said Budi.
The suspect was apprehended in the Matraman area of East Jakarta on Friday (13 February). During the arrest, police seized a number of items as evidence.
Among the items recovered were a laptop belonging to the victim, a lanyard, sunglasses, a black bag, a batik shirt, jeans, and shoes used during his criminal activities.
NW is currently undergoing intensive questioning at the Mobile Crime Unit of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police’s General Crime Directorate. Police are also investigating the possibility of additional crime scenes linked to the suspect’s activities.
Furthermore, Budi urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly when attending events at hotels or in public spaces.
“We remind the public not to leave valuable items unattended,” said Budi.
“Should you witness or experience a criminal act, please report it immediately to the nearest police station or through the 110 police service line, which is accessible 24 hours a day,” he concluded.