Police increase presence in Bali

Police increase presence in Bali

DENPASAR, Bali: Police have tightened their operations this
month in a bid to curb mounting crime on the holiday-resort
island, resulting in four suspected thieves being shot while
attempting to steal a motorcycle in the first two weeks of May.

Bali Police spokesman Lt. Col. Y. Suyatmo said here on Friday
that Bali police chief Brig. Gen. I Wayan Ardjana has given
permission to policemen to use force if alleged culprits resist
arrest.

He pointed out that between May 5 to 15 police solved 18
motorcycle theft cases and that the four that were shot tried to
resist arrest.

"We had to shoot them in the leg because all of them tried to
resist the officers," he said.

The four were allegedly caught red-handed attempting to steal
motorcycles.

"The order was apparently given by the police chief because he
was fed up with the number of crimes between January and April,
286 cases of vehicle theft," Suyatmo said. (zen/01)