Two Street Lighting Panel Thieves Caught in Action in Pekanbaru

Two suspected perpetrators of stealing a set of public street lighting (PJU) panels were apprehended by patrol officers from the Pekanbaru City Transportation Agency (Dishub). Both were caught red-handed while carrying out their criminal act on Jalan Bambu Kuning, Tenayan Raya District, Pekanbaru.

The Head of Pekanbaru Dishub, Masykur Tarmizi, confirmed that the arrest took place in the early hours of Thursday (17/9) at approximately 04:30 WIB. At the time, officers were conducting routine patrols to monitor public facilities in the area.

“The Pekanbaru Dishub patrol officers caught two thieves. We made the arrest around 04:30 on Jalan Bambu Kuning,” said Masykur Tarmizi on Thursday (17/9).

During the arrest, officers secured evidence in the form of one set of PJU panels that were strongly suspected to be the target of the theft. This apprehension is part of the intensive efforts by Dishub to protect street lighting facilities, which are frequently targeted by vandalism and component theft.

Masykur explained that the theft of PJU components is a serious concern for the city government. According to available data, at least around 70 PJU panels have been reported stolen by unknown individuals since the start of this year.

“We have filed police reports regarding the missing panels and components,” he added.

Following their arrest by Dishub officers, both suspects and the evidence were immediately handed over to the police for further legal proceedings. “We handed them over to the Police Station this morning,” Masykur asserted.

Regarding the prevalence of thefts targeting public facilities, Pekanbaru Dishub has urged the community to participate in monitoring efforts. Residents are asked to remain vigilant regarding suspicious activities around lighting panels or PJU facilities, both in residential areas and along main roads.

“We request that the community also assists in monitoring. If you see anything suspicious, please report it to the authorities immediately,” he concluded.