The two suspects, Dendi, 33, and Wahyu, 38, were arrested in their home in Cibinong, Bogor, West Java on Tuesday.

Dendi was suspected to be the leader of a Lampung-based motorcycle thief group, Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said.

“Whenever the group wanted to steal motorcycles, Dendi usually provided the group with some tools, such as a T-handle wrench and sharp weapons. He also provided motorcycles for the group and arranged the people who would buy the motorcycles,” he said on Friday, as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com.

Argo said Wahyu more or less had the same role but also often allegedly joined the group in their illicit act.

“They have admitted that they have done it 52 times in Bekasi and East Jakarta over the last two months,” Argo added.

He went on to say that the police had already identified the group and were currently looking for them.

The group is believed to have carried out the thefts in 35 locations in Bekasi and 15 locations in East Jakarta.

In the arrest, investigators confiscated two motorcycles, some T-handle wrenches, dozens of fake motorcycle license plates and cash.

Dendi and Wahyu are being charged under Article 363 of the Criminal Code on theft, which carries a penalty of more than five years in prison. (das)