Thieves steal two ATMs

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

A group of 22 people stole two automated teller machines (ATMs) in the compound of Alfa hypermarket in Bintaro housing estate, Pondok Aren, Tangerang, on Thursday, a police officer said.

Tangerang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Affan Richwanto said the ATMs belonged to Bank Central Asia (BCA) and Bank International Indonesia (BII).

Citing witnesses' testimony, Affan said 22 people took the ATMs at 4 a.m. after immobilizing and tying up five security guards at the scene and a passerby.

The robbers also looted a cellular phone counter and a phone kiosk, located in the compound as well.

They escaped using three box-type vans.

"Police are still questioning the witnesses to track down the criminals," Affan said, adding that the total losses were not known.

In October, police reported that two ATMs belonging to Bank Mandiri and Bank Prima Express in West Jakarta had been stolen, resulting in Rp 261 million in losses.--JP