Police Arrest Two Suspects in IDR 520 Million Car Smash-and-Grab Theft

The South Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumsel) have arrested two perpetrators involved in the theft of IDR 520 million in cash using a car window smash-and-grab method. Director of General Criminal Investigation at Polda Sumsel, Senior Commissioner Johannes Bangun, explained that the theft occurred at a private bank office in Sekayu, Musi Banyuasin. He stated the incident began when the victim, identified as BH (24), stored cash proceeds from a transaction inside a parked vehicle. The victim then re-entered the bank to continue administrative processes. “The perpetrators, who had been lying in wait, carried out their action by smashing the vehicle’s window and making off with IDR 520 million in cash,” he said in a written statement on Monday (15/6). He noted that investigations revealed the theft was carried out by four individuals identified as ZS (31), FF (26), AK (32), and AS (30). Based on their roles, ZS acted as the executor who smashed the victim’s car window. Meanwhile, FF is currently undergoing legal proceedings for a separate case and has been detained at the Musi Banyuasin Detention Centre. “The other two perpetrators, AK (32) and AS (30), have been placed on the Wanted Persons List (DPO) and are still being pursued,” he clarified. Johannes stated that the group operated systematically by monitoring customer activities in banking areas. They then selected targets carrying large amounts of cash and tracked the victim’s movements. He mentioned the perpetrators used a special glass-breaking tool obtained online to expedite the execution and avoid attracting public attention. This method, he said, allowed the perpetrators to act in a matter of seconds before fleeing the scene. Furthermore, Johannes said suspect ZS was arrested in the Palembang area on Thursday (11/6) at around 12.30 WIB. He stated that suspect ZS received a share of IDR 119 million from the total IDR 520 million stolen. For his actions, the suspect is charged under Article 477 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code related to aggravated theft. He added that investigators are continuing to hunt down all members of the smash-and-grab theft network until the case is fully resolved. “The team is still conducting further investigations to apprehend all involved perpetrators and uncover possible links to similar cases in other regions,” he said.