he Tangerang Regency Police have formed a task force to crack down on begal (thieves that target road users) and thugs to safeguard the area ahead of the 2018 Asian Games, following a series of recent street crimes across Greater Jakarta.
Tigaraksa district in Tangerang regency will host the Asian Games' pentathlon in August.
The police deployed 100 armed personnel to comb crime-ridden areas, Tangerang Regency Police chief Sr. Comr. Sabilul Alif said.
Sabilul said the officers were instructed to act firmly against robbers and thieves who threatened security.
Echoing a statement from Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Idham Aziz, Sabilul said the officers were allowed to shoot dead begal.
"The firm act is needed to ensure public security and make the residents feel safe," Sabilul said in his statement on Thursday.
Previously, the Tangerang police shot dead two alleged perpetrators of an online taxi robbery.
Sabilul said the measure was taken because some robbers did not hesitate to harm victims, and called on residents to avoid using mobile phones or wearing jewelry on the streets.
He also suggested that they avoid walking on empty streets alone.
"Residents should immediately report crime in their area to the police," he added.
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