TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The police have arrested 45 Palu residents for alleged looting after earthquake and tsunami that hit Palu last weekend, September 28. The suspects were found looting electronic products and even breaking ATM machine.

“[The suspects are arrested] in Mall Taruta, ATM Center Pue Bongo, the warehouse of PT Adira, Grand Mal, and Anjungan Nusantara boutiques,” said the police information and public relation bureau head Brig. Gen. Dedi Prasetyo in a written statement on Tuesday, October 2.

Dedi disclosed 28 out of 45 suspects were arrested while looting in Tatura Mall, seven in ATM Center, one in the warehouse of Adira, and seven in Anjungan Nusantara boutique, while two other suspects were arrested for stealing fuel in Grand Mall.

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During the arrest, the officers confiscated pieces of evidence including sound system, LCD, printer, amplifier, BNI ATM machine, motorcycle, AC, water dispenser, microphone, and a bag of sandals, shoes, and clothes among others.

“The arrest is carried out by the joint team of Central Sulawesi Police and Palu Police,” Dedi added.

National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto asserted the police would take stern action against looting of electronic products, jewelry, and others, instead of basic needs. “That is such a criminal act,” Setyo said in Police headquarter, South Jakarta on Monday, October 1. He further appealed to the people affected by earthquake and tsunami in Palu to not commit crimes.

ANDITA RAHMA