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)