TV camera stolen from parked van

JAKARTA (JP): An SCTV television camera worth Rp 300 million was stolen from a company van parked on Jl. Pesanggrahan, Kembangan, West Jakarta on Friday, police said.

West Jakarta Police detective chief Maj. Idham quoted cameraman Benyamin and driver Sumardi as saying that the thief broke the window of the left front door of the SCTV van in broad daylight.

"Benyamin said he left the camera between the front and second row of seats in the locked van, which he parked near a sidewalk food stall."

After purchasing their lunch at the food stall, Benyamin and the driver got back into the van at 12:16 p.m. and were surprised to find that the KY 27 video camera was missing, officer Idham said.

According to Idham, police questioned at least four witnesses, including sidewalk vendors who apparently passed by the site when the incident happened.

One of Benyamin's colleagues said it remained unclear whether Benyamin would be required to pay for the loss.

"Usually if small parts of a camera are missing, such as a lens cover, we are obliged to make a police report.

"If something is missing due to the carelessness of a cameraman, then he has to pay for the damage or losses. But if it happens under certain circumstances, such as during riot reporting, the company will cover it," said the cameraman, who asked for anonymity.

It was unclear whether all SCTV cameras were insured, he added.

About 20 minutes before the incident, an owner of a Mercedes- Benz who had parked in the same street reported to local police that his car's audio set had been stolen.

Like the SCTV van, the window of the left front door of the vehicle, plate number B 2966 TW, was also smashed.

"Judging from the cars' damages, the culprits were probably from the same gang," officer Idham said.

The thefts are being investigated by Kembangan Police detectives. (edt)