TV camera stolen from parked van

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)