Three men nabbed for robberies

Three men nabbed for robberies

JAKARTA (JP): Three men have been arrested in Central Jakarta
for allegedly robbing motorists after deflating the latters' car
tires, City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said
yesterday.

Mundar Safador, 30, Patoni, 23, and Turman, 26, were arrested
Sunday afternoon on Jl. Proklamasi not far from the scene where
they had just robbed their latest victim, said Aritonang.

"The three admitted during interrogation that they were
responsible for at least four robberies in Central Jakarta in
February alone," he said.

The three had stolen at least Rp 700,000 (US$77.78) in cash
and some gold jewelry.

Aritonang said the three also admitted they always ensnared
their victims by scattering nails on the street to deflate the
tires.

"One of them would pretend to offer help to the driver to fix
the tires and the others would come later to extort money from
the victim," he said.

The suspects' latest victims were YB Soebagyo, 47, and his
wife Kartini, 41 on Sunday afternoon, who lost money, a
wristwatch and jewelry.

He said the police were able to arrest the three because the
victims reported the case immediately and identified the suspects
to officers from the nearest police station.

He said that the three would be charged with violations of
Article 368 which stipulates a maximum penalty of nine years
imprisonment. (cst)