Woman Arrested for Multiple Thefts at Minimarket in Tambora, Jakarta
Jakarta — Police have revealed the motive behind theft committed by a 22-year-old woman identified as IPS at a minimarket in Gang Songsi, Tanah Sereal, Tambora, West Jakarta.
The suspect allegedly stole Rp2.650.000 from the cash register due to economic pressure as Ramadan approached.
Head of Criminal Investigation at Tambora Police Station AKP Sudrajat Djumantara stated that the suspect, known to have four children, committed the theft on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, whilst the minimarket employee was distracted.
“The suspect has conducted similar operations multiple times, with purely economic motivation. The proceeds were used for needs ahead of Ramadan, particularly given the suspect has four children,” Sudrajat told journalists at Tambora Police Station on Wednesday evening, 11 March 2026.
The suspect was previously arrested by Pademangan Police Station after stealing Rp4.600.000 from another minimarket’s cash register.
“During questioning, the suspect admitted to committing the theft at least five times. She was previously apprehended but the matter was resolved amicably through restorative justice, with the money returned,” Sudrajat explained.
However, police have ensured legal proceedings will continue for this case. IPS has been charged under Article 476 of the Indonesian Criminal Code for aggravated theft, facing a maximum prison sentence of five years.
Desti, the minimarket cashier and victim, described how the suspect initially appeared as a regular customer and requested one carton of instant noodles. The suspect then continued adding items, asking for ten packs of Kiranti drinks.
“After that, she used another tactic, asking questions about TapCash card contents,” Desti recounted at the incident location on Wednesday.
The theft occurred when the suspect requested an additional four cartons of drinks. This request compelled Desti to travel to the floor above to retrieve stock from the warehouse.
“The modus operandi was to keep me busy going upstairs. She then went straight to the cash register and took the money. She stole a total of Rp2.650.000,” Desti explained.
Upon realising the money was stolen, Desti immediately shouted to alert her colleague. They then pursued IPS, who attempted to flee the minimarket.
“Fortunately, a colleague managed to catch her; she ran outside,” Desti said.
After the suspect was secured, the minimarket staff reported the incident to Tambora Police Station. Police later collected IPS for questioning.