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)