Police uncover offshore oil thefts

Officers of the water and air police unit have arrested 24 people for stealing diesel fuel on the Pabelokan and Jagautara islands in the Seribu Island chain, to the north of Jakarta.

Spokesman for the City Police A. Latief Rabar told reporters Friday that the uncovering of the offshore thefts was made possible due to information received from executives of Maxus Oil Company, whose fuel was stolen.

Accompanied by EH Alagan, head of the water and air police unit, Latief said, based on the information, police swooped on the suspected theft site on Nov. 5 and seized five motor boats believed to be used by the thieves.

"We will summon the owners of the five boats and question them in connection with the involvement of the boat crews in the diesel fuel theft," Latief was quoted by Antara as saying.

Material evidence confiscated by the police includes 374 drums containing 11 tons of diesel fuel, Latief said. (hhr)