Safecrackers at large after stealing Rp 212m

Safecrackers at large after stealing Rp 212m

JAKARTA (JP): Police are searching for two groups of suspects
following two separate robberies in Central Jakarta which netted
Rp 212 million (US$42,500).

City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said on Monday the
suspects were believed to have broken into the offices on Sunday
and made off with cash and valuable documents.

"About Rp 200 million was stolen from PT Mitra Tour Travel and
the robbery possibly took place on Sunday morning while it was
closed."

He said an employee of the company, which is located on Jl.
Abdul Muis 68 in Gambir, Central Jakarta, reported the robbery to
police about 4 p.m. Sunday.

The employee, Saniman Notowardoyo, had been alerted by one of
the company's security officers, he said.

"The thieves have apparently forced their way into the room by
smashing the door with a crowbar which was found at the scene and
seized as evidence."

Aritonang said the suspects had opened the company's four
small safes -- which contained about Rp 61.4 million and $24,000
-- and also located travelers cheques worth $1,540, some shares,
land certificates and Rp 15 million.

"Central Jakarta Police are still collecting information from
witnesses to help solve the case."

He said that police were also looking for the people
responsible for another robbery which took place at the office of
PT Risjad Salim, a manufacturing company.

The thieves had managed to open the safes inside the office,
which is located on the 31st floor of Batavia Tower on Jl.
Sudirman, Central Jakarta.

"No evidence of a break-in was found at the scene... even the
safe is still in good condition."

Aritonang said the police received a report on the robbery
about 8 a.m. yesterday.

"The suspects apparently broke into the office early in the
morning by using skeleton keys to open the office door and the
safes.

It is believed that they were either familiar with the office
or professional thieves because they encountered no difficulties
cracking the safe's combination numbers.

He said the company's loss from the robbery was estimated at
about Rp 12.5 million.

"The robbers have an annoying sense of humor... they left
part of a leaf in a plastic bag and an envelope in exchange for
the money they have stolen." (cst)