Robbers escape with Rp 43 million

Robbers escape with Rp 43 million

JAKARTA (JP): A gang of eight armed robbers broke into a house
at Raden village in Pondok Gede, Bekasi at 3:30 a.m on Friday,
and escaped with Rp 43 million after threatening the victims with
sharp weapons and a pistol.

City police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said the victims,
Basri, 45, and his wife Yayuk, 35, were not hurt, as they
complied with the criminal's demands.

"They (the suspects) jumped the fence and then battered down
the front door before pointing their weapons at the frightened
couple," Lubis said.

Judging from the smooth and speedy operation, local police
believe that the gang had a vehicle, which they parked not far
from the victim's house.

Three days earlier, two televisions, a stereo, jewelry and Rp
5 million, were stolen from an unoccupied residence at the Bumi
Cimanggis Indah housing complex in Cimanggis, East Jakarta.

Based on neighbors' accounts, police tentatively said that
more than one thief was involved in the robbery, which occurred
early Tuesday morning.

According to Lubis, the owner, Santi Wahyunisari, 43, was
reportedly staying with her family in Bandung, West Java, when
the robbery occurred.

Santi entrusted the keys of the house to a neighbor Sapri, who
was also asked to feed the pets, the officer said.

"At 2 p.m., as Sapri checked the house and was about to feed
the pets, he noticed the front door was unlocked and force marks
were evident," Lubis said.

Upon entering the house, Sapri discovered the loss of
valuable goods.

Local police deduced that the thieves moved quickly in the
slick operation, Lubis said. (emf)