Tuesday, 11 October 2005

AGI SECURITY ADVISORY

ROBBERIES IN TAXIS

There has been an alarming increase of late in muggings in Taxis in the Greater Jakarta area. Many of these incidents occur during the hours of darkness and the majority of attacks are directed at lone females. Nearly twenty incidents have occurred since late February this year.

Chronology of taxi muggings events this year:

23 February: An Indonesian woman lost Rp600, 000 and gold jewelry to four assailants in a taxi from Plaza Kuningan to Kuningan Hospital

2 March: An Indonesian woman was hit by a taxi rage on Jl. Letjen Sutoyo, Cililitan, East Jakarta, and lost her cellular phone.

21 March: An Indonesian man was forced into a taxi by five assailants in the Beji area of Depok. The victim lost a laptop computer, a wristwatch, and Rp1.75 million.

23 March: An Indonesian woman was mugged by two men, who were later arrested by police when the victim screamed for help as she was released in the Kelapa Gading area.

26 March: An Indonesian woman was mugged in a taxi hailed in front of the Malaysian Embassy, on Jl. HR Rasuna Said, South Jakarta.

28 March: An Indonesian woman was robbed in a taxi on Jl. Pintu I Senayan, behind Hotel Atlet, Central Jakarta.

4 April: Two Indonesian girls (both 15 years) were robbed in a taxi near Lokasari, West Jakarta. Their bags were confiscated and they were later released in Pondok Gede, Bekasi.

14 April: A woman was robbed in a taxi hailed on Jl. Sisingamangaraja, South Jakarta. She was gagged before being released in Rawamangun, East Jakarta.

14 April: An Indonesian woman, who lives in Kebayoran Baru, lost a laptop computer, cellular phone, and Rp200, 000 cash in a taxi mugging

15 April: An Indonesian woman fought with three assailants in a taxi and lost a wedding band, gold necklace with jade pendant, two cellular phones, and Rp7 million cash taken out of the ATM machine. She was released in Nagrak, Gunung Putri in Bogor.

12 May: Two Indonesian women who hailed a taxi on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta, were mugged and released in Cileungsi, Bogor.

25 May: A woman of unspecified nationality was mugged in a taxi she hailed in front of the Australian Embassy, Jl. HR Rasuna Said. She lost a cellular phone, ATM card, and Rp150, 000 to three assailants.

1 June: An Indonesian man was mugged in a taxi after arrival at Soekarno Hatta Airport.

4 June: An Indonesian man lost Rp1 million and a cellular phone after being mugged in a taxi hailed near Blok M, Kebayoran Baru.

4 July: An Indonesian woman hailed a taxi in front of Sarinah Department Store on Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta, at around 2100hrs. She was mugged and had her wristwatch, diamond pendant, gold necklace, a cellular phone, US$100 and Rp5 million from a BCA ATM card stolen. She was released three hours later in Cempaka Putih.

5 September: An Indonesian woman was mugged in a taxi that picked her up from in front of Wisma Bakrie in Kuningan, South Jakarta. Six assailants threatened to rape her.

9 September: An Indonesian woman was robbed of a cellular phone, 4 gram gold necklace, 3 gram gold chain, two gold rings and Rp750, 000 whilst traveling in a taxi. She was released in the Lebak Bulus area, South Jakarta.

24 September: An Indonesia woman was mugged by three assailants in a taxi.

1 October: A Korean man was found severely injured in Sawangan, Depok. Authorities believe that he was the victim of a taxi robbery.

In Jakarta, the ongoing message has been to ONLY USE REPUTABLE TAXI COMPANIES: in the main taxis from the Bluebird Group. Just because a taxi is blue does not mean it is a Bluebird Group vehicle; there are several less reputable companies which use the same color, as well as similar logos in an attempt to get business.

Advice:

Clients are advised to order taxis by phone from the Bluebird group. When this is not possible, and no Bluebird Group taxis are visible in the street our advice is that you should satisfy yourself that the taxi appears ’safe’ by applying simple checks:

* Is the taxi clean and in good repair?
* Does the driver have a uniform and an ID card clearly on display?
* Does the vehicle have a meter that appears to work?
* Can you get out of the taxi from the back seats (do the locks and latches function properly)?

Some other points to consider:

* Look into the front floor pan before getting in (robbers have hidden themselves there, especially at night).
* Sit behind the driver if possible – avoid sitting in the front seat.
* Test the rear seat back as you get in, to make sure it can’t fold inwards (robbers have hidden themselves in the boot of taxis).
* Ensure that all doors are locked once you are seated.
* Avoid any open display of wealth and keep your valuable possessions hidden.
* Note the taxi number and driver’s name.
* Make sure you agree on any additional charges, such as tolls or airport surcharge.
* When you arrive at your destination, ensure you are safe before getting out (security guards or jagas present).
* If you have concern during a journey stop the taxi at a place of safety, pay the driver off and find an alternative vehicle.
* If you are the victim of a taxi mugging hand over your possessions not your life.

If you are either unsure or unsatisfied, walk away and wait. The time it takes to hail a safe cab is worth it.

Continue to monitor the AGI Security Information Network. AGI will update this advisory as appropriate. If you have any questions regarding this advisory please contact the AGI Office on (021) 572 4077.

Assessments Group Indonesia
Wisma Kyoei Prince 12th Floor
Jl Jend Sudirman Kav. 3
Jakarta 10220 INDONESIA

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