The warning in the loading screen of the popular augmented reality game Pokemon GO reads, “Remember to be alert at all times. Stay aware of your surroundings.” Well, that warning evidently applies if we want to avoid becoming victims of smartphone theft in Jakarta – even while we’re playing in crowded areas.
Recently, 23-year-old Budiyanti Hartanti was walking around La Piazza mall in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, in search of Pokemon. With her eyes glued to her phone’s screen, she became an easy target for two smartphone thieves.
“The victim found a Pokemon around the La Piazza roundabout on Wednesday evening. She wasn’t aware that the suspects were following her from behind. Then the smartphone that was used to catch Pokemon was snatched from her,” said Kelapa Gading Police Chief Commissioner Argo Wiyono, as quoted by Vivanews yesterday.
Budiyanti’s screams drew the attention of police officers who were stationed in the area. The two suspects hopped on a motorcycle, and, in the ensuing panic from being chased, crashed the motorcycle into a car before driving into a dead end in a narrow alley.
The police successfully arrested the two suspects, who were two young buskers with extensive records of theft around East and North Jakarta. They both face up to seven years in prison each.
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