Police join locals to fight crime

BEKASI: Bekasi Police with the help of local residents have built dozens of police posts in crime-prone locations throughout the municipality in a bid to curb crimes in the area.

Bekasi Police chief Sr. Comr. Bachtiar Hasanudin Tambunan said on Friday that posts were built near toll gates at Bekasi Barat, Bekasi Timur and Bulak Kapal.

Before the post near Bulak Kapal toll gate was built, police had received several reports that criminals often robbed pedestrians or bus passengers, he said.

The posts are also aimed at providing traffic policemen places to work.

"Sometimes, police officers have to issue traffic tickets while standing at nearby food stalls. We think it's inappropriate," Tambunsan said.

Separately, Bekasi Police traffic unit chief Adj. Comr. Gatot Subroto said that the posts, built from 25-foot containers, were financed by local residents. -- Antara