entral Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Condro Kirono has ordered his subordinates to "shoot on sight" when spotting criminals in Semarang, following reports of increasing numbers of violent begal (muggers) in the capital city of the province.
"We must ensure safety for people going about their activities at night," he said on Tuesday as reported by Antara news agency.
The order is not only meant to ensure security and comfort for the public, but is also aimed at limiting the movements of criminals, Condro added.
Semarang Police chief Sr. Comr. Burhanudin echoed the order, saying that the police were referring to standard operating procedures for keeping public security.
"If the criminals resist, police personnel would not hesitate to take them down," he said.
A string of violent robberies, such as assaults on motorists, have occurred recently in Semarang, according to police reports. Police recently shot suspected robbers near the Central Java Police headquarters and two alleged begal also reportedly died after falling from a cliff while trying to escape from mobs in Rowosari in Tembalang of Semarang. (rin)
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