Officers from the Jombang Police Department have arrested four members of a motorcycle theft gang that frequently targeted crowds at various public entertainment events. The suspects apprehended have been identified by their initials YP (38), WB (37), AA (32), and AS (37), most of whom are residents of Mojokerto and Tulungagung.
Head of Criminal Investigation at Jombang Police, Assistant Police Commissioner Magribi Agung Saputra, revealed that the arrests took place just before the perpetrators could strike again at two entertainment venues: a 'sound horeg' event in Diwek District and an orchestra show in Sumobito District. During interrogation, the gang confessed to committing similar crimes at 14 crime scenes across the Jombang area.
The gang operated under a fairly organized modus operandi, with each member taking on specific roles ranging from scouting the location, selecting target vehicles, to breaking the ignition locks using T-keys. Once stolen, the vehicles were marketed on social media at prices ranging from IDR 4 million to IDR 5 million per unit.
Police managed to secure several pieces of evidence, including one stolen motorcycle and tools used to break into vehicles. For their actions, the four suspects are currently detained at the Jombang Police Detention Center and face charges under Article 477 Paragraph (2) of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code, carrying a maximum sentence of 9 years in prison.
Police urged the public to remain vigilant when attending crowded events by using double locks on their vehicles and parking in monitored areas. One victim, Nuril Kurniawan, expressed his gratitude to the Jombang Police for successfully recovering his motorcycle so he could resume his daily activities.
