Riau Police Arrest Seven in Overnight Operation Targeting Robbers and Vehicle Theft Syndicates
The Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) have uncovered a series of violent street crimes and vehicle thefts during an overnight operation, resulting in the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of 15 stolen vehicles. The operation was conducted by the Violent Crime Unit (Jatanras) following intensive investigations into multiple police reports and public complaints.
Director of General Criminal Investigation for Polda Riau, Senior Commissioner Hasyim Risahondua, stated that the team successfully dismantled three prominent cases in one sweep. “In a single series of operations, the team uncovered three significant cases at once, ranging from a violent robbery where the victim was slashed with a machete, to a cross-district motorcycle theft network, and the theft of four-wheeled vehicles,” he explained.
The first case involved a violent robbery on a road in the Bukit Raya district of Pekanbaru. Three suspects, identified by the initials MM, AH, and RR, were arrested for allegedly ambushing a motorcyclist in the early hours of the morning. When the victim resisted, the perpetrators attacked him with a machete before fleeing with his motorcycle and belongings.
In the second case, police dismantled a motorcycle theft syndicate operating across Kampar Regency and Pekanbaru City. Four suspects, identified as MS, SH, P, and TS, were taken into custody. Investigators revealed that the group had specific roles, ranging from executing the thefts to transporting and fencing the stolen motorcycles. The third case involved the theft of four-wheeled vehicles, with a suspect identified by the initials SG being arrested for multiple car thefts in the region.
Senior Commissioner Hasyim confirmed that the total evidence seized included 12 motorcycles and 3 cars. “We are continuing to develop this investigation. We suspect there are other perpetrators involved and they are currently being pursued,” he said. The police have also intensified patrols, particularly during vulnerable hours, to prevent street crime and ensure public safety.
The suspects are being charged under Article 477 of the Criminal Code concerning theft and Article 479 concerning theft with violence, as stipulated in Law Number 1 of 2023 regarding the Criminal Code.