West Jakarta Police Investigate Rp31 Million Laptop Theft Using False Address Inquiry Ruse

Jakarta (ANTARA) - West Jakarta Police are investigating a laptop theft worth Rp31 million, where the suspect pretended to ask for directions at a boarding house in Duri Kosambi, Cengkareng, West Jakarta.

West Jakarta Police Resmob Unit Chief George Ruben stated that the theft occurred on Monday, May 11, at around 8:00 AM, carried out by suspect A who had previously visited the location to survey the area.

“The suspect previously came to the boarding house posing as someone asking for directions. He then returned one or two days later to check the house situation,” George told reporters in Jakarta on Friday.

George explained that after confirming the boarding house was empty and unoccupied, the suspect entered to steal the victim’s valuables.

“He would first scope out the situation. Only when it appeared empty would he enter to take the items inside the boarding house,” he said.

According to George, preliminary investigations revealed that suspect A admitted to committing two similar thefts. Before stealing the MacBook, he had stolen a mobile phone which he sold to settle debts.

Police confirmed there is currently no indication of the suspect’s involvement with narcotics networks or online gambling activities.

“For now, there seems to be no indication of narcotics or online gambling involvement,” George added.

The luxury laptop worth Rp31 million was sold by the suspect for a mere Rp2 million. According to investigations, the proceeds were used to pay off his personal debts.

“According to his statement, the laptop was sold for only Rp2 million. The proceeds were used by the suspect to settle his personal debts of Rp150 million,” George said.

George added that the hundreds of millions in debt accumulated due to losses from the suspect’s nasi kebuli business.