Shoot on the spot, says police chief

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Provincial police chief Col. Gendro B.S. has ordered his members to take a tough stance against criminals, and shoot them on the spot if necessary.

Antara quoted the police chief as commenting on the reported increase in the crime rate and armed robberies in Lampung. "This shoot on the spot (order) is necessary so that armed criminals do not have the chance to kill other people," he said here Wednesday.

He called for greater vigilance against a possible surge in robberies, especially in the lead-up to Idul Fitri.

"We will intensify security efforts (deploying) all existing personnel, but the public should help out," he said. (swe)