Thieves strike minutes after bank visit, breaking into parked car near KFC Tiban, Batam

A woman in Batam lost over Rp200 million (SGD 16,000) in cash after her car was broken into just moments after she withdrew the money from a local bank. The theft took place in broad daylight outside a KFC outlet in Sekupang, revealing a bold and calculated modus operandi.

Swift Theft After Bank Withdrawal

On the morning of Monday, July 14, 2025, a woman identified as Ita, a resident of Sekupang, fell victim to a targeted robbery outside KFC Tiban. Just minutes earlier, she had withdrawn over Rp200 million from Bank Bukopin in Nagoya. During a brief stop at the KFC parking lot, her vehicle was broken into, and the money-laden bag was stolen.

Suspects Used Metal Tool for Entry

According to Ita, the perpetrators used a metal rod resembling a paint roller to pry open the car door. The incident was swift and efficient. Within seconds, the thief accessed the vehicle’s back seat and fled with the cash-filled bag. “They used a tool like a roll cat,” Ita said. “Once the door opened, they grabbed the bag immediately.”

Police Begin Active Investigation

Following the robbery, Ita promptly filed a report with the Sekupang Police. Officers from the local Criminal Investigation Unit (Reskrim) arrived at the scene to conduct a crime scene investigation and canvas the area for surveillance footage or witnesses. The crime scene was cordoned off with police tape, and officers began analyzing potential entry and exit routes used by the suspect.

Confirmation from Police Authorities

Kompol Debby Tri Andrestian, Head of Criminal Investigation for the Barelang Police, confirmed the incident. “Our team is still inspecting the scene,” Debby said. Although no suspects have been publicly identified, police believe the victim may have been followed from the bank—a tactic increasingly seen in similar cases across urban centers.

A Growing Trend in Urban Theft

This incident highlights a recurring trend in Indonesian cities, where criminals target individuals after large cash withdrawals. The boldness of the act—carried out in daylight in a public area—has sparked renewed calls for increased vigilance and improved public security, especially near banks and commercial zones.

Community Urged to Stay Alert

The case has caused concern among residents and serves as a cautionary tale about leaving valuables inside vehicles, even for a short time. Authorities advise the public to immediately deposit or secure large cash sums and avoid predictable routines that criminals can exploit.

The Rp200 million theft in Sekupang underscores the need for heightened public awareness and stronger surveillance in commercial districts. For residents and cross-border visitors alike, this incident is a reminder that quick and quiet crimes can happen in even the most routine of settings. Authorities are pushing for swift resolution, but the broader lesson remains—vigilance is vital.

Sources: Posmetro Batam (2025) , Batam News (2025)

Keywords: Batam Car Theft, Sekupang Robbery, Rp200 Million Theft, KFC Tiban Incident, Glass Shattered Robbery, Bank Withdrawal Crime