South Sumatra Police Crack 123 Theft Cases in May, 137 Suspects Arrested
This was conveyed during a press conference at the South Sumatra Police Headquarters on Friday (5/6/2026). The press briefing was led by AKBP Muhammad Sofwan Rosyidi, Head of Sub-Directorate III for Violent Crimes at the South Sumatra Police Criminal Investigation Directorate, accompanied by the Public Relations press officer and heads of criminal investigation units from the resort police forces.
“During the month of May 2026, the Criminal Investigation ranks of the South Sumatra Police, Palembang Metropolitan Police, and resort police forces successfully uncovered 123 police reports with a total of 137 suspects and secured 331 pieces of evidence,” stated AKBP Muhammad Sofwan Rosyidi.
Of the total cases resolved, aggravated theft dominated with 89 cases. Motor vehicle theft accounted for 20 cases, while theft with violence totalled 14 cases.
Various pieces of evidence were seized, ranging from four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles, vehicle documents, mobile phones, work machinery, to burglary tools. Sharp weapons were also confiscated from the suspects.
Based on regional mapping, the highest number of disclosures occurred within the jurisdiction of the Palembang Metropolitan Police with 37 police reports, followed by Lahat Police with 14 reports, North Musi Rawas Police with 11 reports, and Banyuasin Police, Musi Rawas Police, and PALI Police each with 8 reports.
AKBP Sofwan explained that the most frequently uncovered cases involved break-ins at vacant houses and homes left by their owners. Additionally, motor vehicle theft cases remain a focus of enforcement for the police force.
He said the disclosures could not be separated from the optimisation of the Rapid Reaction Unit Team (URC), which was established in response to public reports while improving the effectiveness of handling 3C crimes—theft with aggravation, theft with violence, and motor vehicle theft.
“The formation of the URC Team is a concrete step to accelerate the police response to various criminal acts that disturb the community. The presence of this team is expected to increase the speed of case solving while providing a deterrent effect for criminals,” he explained.
On the occasion, AKBP Sofwan asserted that the South Sumatra Police and its ranks would not give any room for criminals who disrupt public security.
“We issue a stern warning to all perpetrators of aggravated theft, violent theft, and motor vehicle theft to cease their criminal actions. The South Sumatra Police together with all ranks will continue to take professional, firm, measured action in accordance with the law against every perpetrator who tries to disturb public security,” he said.
From the investigation, it is known that approximately 60 per cent of the suspects detained are recidivists. The remainder are first-time offenders who became involved or were influenced by the recidivists in committing criminal acts.
The suspects are charged under Article 363 of the Criminal Code concerning aggravated theft, carrying a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment, and Article 365 of the Criminal Code concerning theft with violence, carrying a maximum penalty of nine years’ imprisonment.
South Sumatra Police Head of Public Relations, Commissioner Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, stated that the police will continue to enhance both preventive and repressive measures to ensure the public can carry out activities safely and comfortably. He said law enforcement is conducted professionally.
“Public security is the main priority. The South Sumatra Police together with all ranks will continue to strengthen patrols, improve responses to public reports, and conduct professional law enforcement against every criminal who disturbs public order,” said Nandang.
“We want to ensure the people of South Sumatra feel the presence of a National Police that is responsive, humane, and firm in maintaining security,” he added.