Police Arrest Three Suspects in Theft of Seven Suitcases Belonging to Thai Tourists at Bromo
The Criminal Investigation Unit of Probolinggo Police has arrested three individuals suspected of involvement in the theft of seven suitcases belonging to a group of Thai tourists in the Mount Bromo area, East Java.
“That is correct, we have apprehended the perpetrators who stole seven suitcases belonging to foreign tourists from Thailand,” said Probolinggo Police Chief AKBP M Wahyudin Latif on Monday (24/2).
Wahyudin said the arrests began on Saturday (21/2) at approximately 16:00 local time. Officers first apprehended RH, a resident of Sumber Wetan Village, Kedupok District, Probolinggo City, at his home without resistance.
Examination of RH revealed the involvement of other perpetrators in the theft. Without delay, at around 17:00 local time, the Mobile Crime Unit moved to develop further leads.
Together with officers from Sukapura Police Station, the team raided a house on Jalan Bogowonto, Kedupok District, Probolinggo City. There, ED and his wife were also detained on suspicion of involvement in the theft of the seven suitcases belonging to the Thai tourists.
Within less than one hour of the first arrest, all suspects had been apprehended and taken to the Criminal Investigation Unit’s examination room at Probolinggo Police Station.
“We are still conducting examinations and further investigations so the team can resolve this case thoroughly,” he said.
The suspects are currently undergoing intensive questioning. Police are also investigating the possible involvement of additional perpetrators and tracing the whereabouts of the stolen evidence.
The seven suitcases containing valuable items belonging to Thai tourists were stolen while the group was holidaying in the Mount Bromo area, Probolinggo Regency, East Java. Losses are estimated at hundreds of millions of rupiah.
Jhonni, the travel agent accompanying the Thai tourists, said the theft occurred while the group’s vehicle was parked at the Sukapura District pavilion, Probolinggo Regency, on Sunday (15/2).
The incident began when the group was transported to Bromo in a Toyota Hiace minibus. Upon arriving at the bus stop pavilion area, the driver and tourists alighted briefly.
All suitcases and belongings were stored inside the vehicle, which was parked and locked. However, when they returned, the previously locked car door was difficult to open.
“When it was opened, the inside was in disarray. The suitcases that had been neatly arranged were scattered about. After checking, seven suitcases were missing,” said Jhonni on Monday (16/2).
Based on compiled data, the victims’ losses are estimated at hundreds of millions of rupiah. A number of valuable items were reported missing, ranging from passports and cash to electronic devices.
A red bag belonging to a victim named Kanthuma Puk containing make-up, clothing, and a wallet with Rp3,251,046 in cash was among the stolen items. A black-and-red backpack belonging to Chinnapat Jadcharoen was also taken by the perpetrators. Inside it were a Ricoh GR IV camera valued at Rp26,550,209, an iPhone 13 Pro, clothing, and earphones.
Meanwhile, a black backpack belonging to Ananya Seeda containing an iPad Air 5, a Redmi Note 15, and clothing was also targeted. Two other bags belonging to Naowarat and Sawatphiphatphon containing clothing were also missing. Additionally, a black backpack belonging to Chanidapa Pavichievac containing clothing was also reported stolen.
One of the victims, Kathuma Puk, expressed deep disappointment over the incident. She said the loss had a major impact on her return plans, as her passport was also among the stolen items.
“I am very disappointed with what I have experienced. As a result of the loss, I am having difficulty arranging a passport for my return journey. Can the police recover my missing belongings?” said Kathuma.