Day 1 2026, Makassar Residents Beat Cable Thief in Empty House

Suspected cable thief in an empty house in Makassar/ Photo: IST

JAKARTA - The Bontoala Police secured a copper cable theft perpetrator on behalf of Haikal (22) who was being chased by the crowd when he was caught carrying out his actions at an empty house on Jalan Lamuru, Bontoala District, Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Thursday, January 1, 2026, the first day of the new year 2026.

"This perpetrator was in the crowd of residents around the crime scene. So we secured it here, secured by the SKPT and the Criminal Investigation Unit and we processed it," said Bontoala Police Chief Iptu Syaharuddin Rahman, Friday.

This perpetrator, he said, often carried out similar actions targeting empty houses left by their owners during the long Christmas and New Year 2026 holidays. When he was acting on Jalan Lamuru, he was caught by residents. Fortunately, his life could still be saved.

"The perpetrator is one person. He was caught by the residents (beaten by the residents). Currently, the suspect has been detained at the Polsek," said Syaharuddin explaining.

From the information received, the perpetrator is known as a rayab besi resident of Jalan Panamppu and a resident of old iron theft, copper cables and other valuables in an empty house left by the owner.

Based on the chronology of the incident, the perpetrator had previously monitored the house left by the owner on Jalan Lamuru II, Lamuru Village. Furthermore, enter and damage the victim's house door.

The reporter then smashed the valuables, dismantled the computer and the air conditioner or air conditioner to take the money. In fact, the electronic device is still working.

"The goods were just taken, there were computers, there were also air conditioners. So, a lot was dismantled. The victim's loss was estimated at Rp. 15 million, because they had taken a lot," he said.

The modus operandi is to enter an empty house carrying equipment and then dismantle the AC in the house, take valuables, iron, to the victim's car bolts. The result is sold to a loakan goods collector.

"Indeed, this perpetrator always targets houses that have been abandoned by their owners. This is not the first time he has done this, but often. The perpetrator is suspected of Article 363 of the Criminal Code, with a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison," he said.