Robbers strike twice in one night

BOGOR (JP): Police are searching for a group of robbers who made off with one kilogram of gold jewelry, Rp 1.5 million (US$176.4) and other belongings from two houses in Tanah Sereal district, Bogor, an officer said yesterday.

Bogor Police chief Lt. Col. Edmon Ilyas said four unidentified men stole the gold jewelry and Rp 1 million in cash from a house belonging to a towel trader, FX Andi Susanto, on Jl. Ampel, early Thursday morning.

The same robbers are believed to have stolen another Rp 500,000 and electronic goods from Isidore Ifle, a resident of Jl. Ikan Nilem, one hour earlier on the same day, Ilyas said.

"Bogor detectives are now searching for the suspects. We hope we can make arrests soon," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

Andi, 45, told police he heard the front door being opened about 4 a.m. but he was subdued by the men when he tried to investigate the noise.

Ilyas said one of the men threatened Andi with a machete.

He said the suspects woke up the victim's daughter and housemaid, who were sleeping in their rooms, and threatened them with machetes as well. Andi's wife was staying with relatives.

The robbers threatened to rape Andi's daughter if he did not show them where he kept the family's jewelry, Ilyas said.

Andi finally handed over the box containing the jewelry, including some which belonged to the maid and was entrusted to his wife, and the cash, he said.

"I have collected the jewelry for almost 20 years as a towel trader but it was all stolen in a matter of minutes," Ilyas quoted Andi as saying.

The police chief said the same group was believed to be responsible for the break-in at Isidore's house about 3 a.m.

He said a window was forced open and the robbers threatened to rape the victim's wife and daughter if he refused to meet their demands.

The suspects escaped after grabbing Rp 500,000 in cash and some electronic goods, he said. (jun)