Rising crime ahead of fasting month anticipated

Emmy Fitri and Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Jakarta police detectives gathered on Thursday to review tactics and strategies in anticipation of rising crime rates ahead of the holy fasting month, which begins in November.

"The detectives need to refresh their knowledge and strategies in dealing with new criminal methods. And especially ahead of the fasting month, we anticipate the crime rate will rise," Chief of city police detectives Sr. Comr. Adang Rochjana said.

During the fasting month, he said, many people would leave the house carrying cash as they shopped for food and other necessities. Throughout that period, businesses would also send staff members out to withdraw cash from banks in order to pay their employees special seasonal allowances.

"Some criminals will wait for people carrying a lot of cash, either for use in shopping or for the payment of employees. We expect street robberies will increase, and the number of pickpockets in shopping centers as well as other crowded public places will also be on the rise," Adang said.

However, the officer did not want to disclose what security measures would be implemented during the fasting month.

Meanwhile, chief of the city police's operation control center Sr. Comr. Nono Supriyono said his force was preparing an operation, code named Ketupat.

"The technical details of the operation are now being discussed. It is being prepared in anticipation of the end of the fasting month and the Idul Fitri holidays."

Nono also said that police were still discussing with religious leaders and the local administration whether or not to allow night spots to open for business during the fasting month, out of respect for Muslims.