Car-crash robbery: New modus operandi in town

JAKARTA: Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Chrysnanda Dwi Laksana warned residents to be alert for possible robberies using a car-crash modus operandi.

"Do not get taken in should a car crash into your vehicle. It is important to settle car crash cases directly with the police," said Chrysnanda as quoted by vivanews.com Monday.

The robbers, usually three people, target lone drivers and start by deliberately crashing their car into another car. After the crash, they convince the victim the crash is their fault and ask for compensation for the damage, leading them to a nearby automatic teller machine or car repair shop. Once the victim is cornered, the robbers threaten them, forcing them to hand over wallets, cell phones or jewelry. - JP