Warning to motorists

Warning to motorists

JAKARTA (JP): The streets between Harmoni and downtown Kota will not be safe for motorists as long as street criminals operate freely in the area, police warn.

The criminals operating there are well-known for their skill in stealing car parts and for robbing commuters at traffic lights, City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna said on Wednesday.

Two men approached a Navy major's car at a traffic light and tried to steal his side-view mirror last week, Iman cited as an example.

The two traffic police in charge of the area caught one of the criminals, Antara reported. The suspect, identified only as UD, 30, is now in police custody.

"We call on anybody coming across such crimes to report them to the nearest police station or traffic police officer," Iman said.

"Traffic police officers are not only in charge of managing traffic, but also of maintaining security in the area." (sur)