T

he widespread theft of iron, and crimes such as robbery and holdups, are plaguing the country's new Suramadu bridge.

The latest robbery occurred on Monday around the bridge that connects Surabaya and Madura, following similar incidents against a legislative councilor from Bali and a motorcyclist who was mugged in broad daylight.

Bangkalan Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Aris Purnomo said the third victim, Zainatul Hikmah, 24, of Labang village, Bangkalan, was robbed close to the Madura access point of the bridge.

"The victim said he was chased by four robbers on two motorcycles brandishing sickles and was forced to hand over his motorcycle and two cell phones. The robbers fled after taking his belongings," Aris said Thursday.

Aris added that his office would deploy more personnel to patrol the 5.4-kilometer bridge, especially along the entrance and exit access points on both sides of the bridge.

"The reinforcement is related to the widespread crime around the bridge. Most of the assailants are armed with sharp weapons and are willing to hurt their victims. They usually aim for motorcyclists or motorists who stop around the bridge area on the Madura side," said Aris.

He added the current number of 40 personnel would be increased to 70 men on holidays and weekends, when the number of visitors to Madura usually increases.

"Patrols will be focused at the entrance and exit gates of the bridge and areas around the Madura side of the bridge in Tangkel village, Burneh district," he said.

Aris also urged motorists to be careful of irresponsible people tossing rocks at cars traveling over the bridge.

"Although no casualties have been reported, such incidents have caused damage to three cars already," he said.

In a related development, the East Surabaya Police arrested a gang of thieves who had stolen steel items from the bridge to sell as scrap metal.

From the five suspects, police seized seven tons of scrap iron, mostly pipes used for scaffolding, owned by the Chinese contractor building the center span of the bridge.

East Surabaya Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Samudi said officers were tracking down the other suspects and investigating the involvement of scrap company CV Putra Jaya in the case.

"The men we arrested with 4 tons of scrap iron are all fishermen. They have been identified as Bambang Harianto, 31, Budiono, 32, Fadil, 18, and Muin, 42. After questioning them on Wednesday, they led us to the arrest of Agus Salim, 47, who is head of the Sukolilo Barat Fishermen Association in Bangkalan, Madura," Samudi told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.