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)