Police up security around banks

Reacting to the rising number of armed robberies in the capital, Jakarta Police will deploy more personnel and detectives around banks and financial centers.

City police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said Wednesday that the quality and quantity of armed robberies had risen in the last several months.

"Robbers are now cleverer than before as they are targeting places and individuals that they know have a lot of money. Most recent robberies have also involved the use of firearms," he said.

Firman said that robbers were now aiming at banks, people returning from banks, and rich people's houses.

"That's why we will conduct special operations aimed at reducing the number of armed robberies across the city early in December. We will focus on banks and other financial centers, including money changers," he said.

Firman added that police were collecting data on places being frequently targeted by robbers.

According to police, dozens of armed robberies have taken place over the last seven days, including nine involving firearms. Police have yet to arrest any of the perpetrators. -- JP