Thieves Start Action Amid Grief Of Semeru Eruption Victims, 6 Residents Report Theft

LUMAJANG - A number of residents who were displaced due to the Semeru eruption complained that their houses had been burglarized. Even though they are still in a state of grief as a result of this disaster.

This was revealed by a member of the BPBD of Malang Regency, Sariyanto, who helped in handling the disaster in Supiturang Village, Pronojiwo District, Lumajang Regency.

"There have been a total of 6 complaints from residents who lost their property after the disaster," he told reporters, Thursday, December 9.

The theft, he said, was reported in the area of Room A, Sumbersari Hamlet, Supiturang Village. However, this village is the most affected.

The residents of this hamlet were evacuated because they were prone to further eruptions.

"So in the morning they return home, in the evening they return to the refuge," continued Sariyanto.

When the house is empty, the thieves act. Lost objects such as stoves, refrigerators, suitcases to farm animals were looted.

Residents realized it when they returned to their hamlet to see and help the officers sweep.

"It is possible that the theft reports are still increasing. Moreover, in the affected villages there is still no electricity," he said.