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Damaged roads make vehicles sitting ducks for thieves
The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Tue, 10/17/2006 10:29 AM
Khairul Saleh and Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Palembang, Cirebon
As the highways in South Sumatra become increasingly crowded with Idul Fitri travelers, thieves are targeting vehicles brought to a crawl by damaged roads.
The thieves usually pick on trucks carrying goods, but authorities warn that private vehicles are also at risk.
Most of the crimes occur along badly damaged sections of road where traffic moves at a crawl, if at all.
""We are forced to line up to pass the damaged sections of road,"" one driver said.
Near Muara Beliti and Muarakati villages in Musi Rawas regency, groups of up to 40 people, some as young as 15, descend on trapped vehicles and strip them of their cargo.
Some thieves don't rely on damaged roads but take matters into their own hands, blocking the road with logs.
A truck driver who is familiar with South Sumatra's main highways, Sahadi, suggested people who had to drive in the area travel in convoys and avoid driving at night.
""They should also keep their mobile phone handy (to call the police),"" Sahadi said.
Motorists should also be wary of people who help direct traffic, because they will usually demand money from drivers.
""If we don't give them enough money they get angry. We are very afraid,"" said Supri, who was driving to Jakarta.
South Sulawesi Police plan to deploy up to 4,000 police officers, military personnel and transportation and health agency employees during Idul Fitri.
They will be stationed at strategic locations throughout the province to provide security and assistance for holiday travelers. The deployment will begin seven days before Idul Fitri and continue seven days after the holiday.
""The officers will be stationed at security posts along the road networks. They will be backed up by armed plainclothes officers, especially in areas with high crime rates,"" South Sumatra Police chief Insp. Gen. Iman Haryatna said Monday.
In a related development, Cirebon Police have begun deploying about 3,000 officers along the northern coast of Java to provide protection for Idul Fitri travelers.
In addition to Cirebon regency, the officers will be stationed in Indramayu, Majalengka, Kuningan and Cirebon city.
Besides helping provide security for those traveling to their hometowns from Jakarta, the officers will also be on the alert for any terrorist activities.
Cirebon Police chief Sr. Comr. Bambang Puji Raharjo said the holiday deployment would include 400 snipers and bomb squad members from the paramilitary Mobile Brigade.
""The snipers will be on standby 24 hours a day. They are equipped with vehicles that can easily penetrate traffic jams to help handle any criminal problems,"" said Comr. Dadang Raharja, head of the Cirebon Mobile Brigade.
Bambang said that in addition to main roads, officers would also be stationed along alternative routes in the five regencies and city.
