Theives make off with cash, valuables

BOGOR (JP): A gang of eight armed robbers broke into a villa on Sunday in Megamendung rented by a group of nine holidaymakers from Jakarta and made off with cash and valuables, including six cellular phones, together worth Rp 20 million.

Police are still investigating the incident.

But Pamuji, one of the victims, recalled that four men with machetes and a handgun suddenly broke into the house at about 1:15 a.m. while he and his friends, all residents of the Pertambangan housing complex in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, were still awake and chatting to each other.

"The robbers warned us to remain silent and hastily tied us up with wire," he said.

The crooks then escaped with six cellular phones, Rp 8.7 million and US$100 in cash, four wrist watches, two golden bracelets and three rings.

The victims reported the robbery to Cisarua Police officers, who found two machetes, a crowbar and a mask at the crime scene. (07/21)