Police warn of typical Ramadan crimes

Indah Setiawati ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sat, 09/06/2008 11:29 AM  |  City

City residents returning to their hometowns during the upcoming holiday exodus should secure their homes in their absence, the Jakarta Police are warning.

The public needs to be aware of the potential for burglary during the Muslim Lebaran holiday, Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Ketut Untung Yoga Ana said Thursday in a prepared statement.

Residents should make sure to notify neighbors, security guards and police of their absence, in addition to providing contact information, he added.

Besides locking their doors, windows and gates, they are also urged to check electrical equipment including fans, irons and gas stoves to avoid potential fires.

Last year, fires destroyed hundreds of houses along Jl. Kali Baru in Cilincing, North Jakarta, when squatters left for their hometowns to celebrate Idul Fitri.

This year Idul Fitri falls on October 1 and 2. Jakarta usually begins emptying a week before the holiday, filling up again a week after it ends.

Police are also warning users of public transportation to be careful when accepting food or beverages from strangers, in addition to avoiding would-be thieves looking to "hypnotize" unwitting victims through taps on the shoulder.

"Reduce the number of possessions you'll need to keep an eye on and don't wear too much jewelry," Ketut said.

Robberies often mar the holiday exodus, with victims sedated by food and beverages laden with sleeping agents.

For those traveling by private transport, police suggest they inspect their vehicles, prepare first aid supplies and bring along a complete set of driving documents.

In addition, travelers are urged to jot down the phone numbers for the police, hospitals and emergency roadside tents, and to avoid resting in dark or secluded areas along the road.

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