Brazen Phone Theft at 24-Hour Store in Jelutung Using Fueling Distraction Tactic

JAMBI | INDATANEWS.COM - A phone theft incident has once again occurred in the Jelutung area, Jambi City, involving perpetrators who used a deception tactic under the pretense of refueling. A suspected three-member gang allegedly carried out the crime in the early morning hours at a 24-hour shop on Jalan Gajah Mada, Simpang Puncak, Jelutung District, on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at around 05:30 WIB.

The incident adds to a growing series of similar crimes that have increasingly concerned owners of round-the-clock convenience stores. The entire act was clearly captured by surveillance cameras (CCTV) installed in the cashier area and around the crime scene.

Coordinated Operation in Early Morning Hours

The perpetrators arrived on a black motorcycle resembling a Honda Beat coming from the Handil direction. They then executed clearly divided roles: one pretended to purchase fuel worth Rp5,000, another stayed near the fuel dispenser, while a third kept watch over the surroundings to detect any potential threats.

With this method, they attempted to deceive store staff and avoid raising suspicion. However, the first attempt did not succeed as the situation was not yet favorable for the theft.

On their second attempt, the perpetrators managed to strike. One of the suspects, who was wearing a red helmet, took advantage of a brief moment when the shop attendant was distracted.

At that moment, he noticed a mobile phone placed on the second drawer of the cashier counter. He quickly grabbed it with his right hand and slipped it into the back pocket of his trousers. The action was carried out swiftly and discreetly, without immediately raising suspicion.

CCTV Footage Leads to Identification

After successfully committing the theft, the three men left the location calmly and inconspicuously on the same motorcycle after completing the refueling act. The store clerk only later realized that his mobile phone had gone missing.

Upon reviewing the CCTV footage, the act of theft can be clearly seen, particularly the suspect wearing the red helmet taking the device. The shop owner, Guntur, estimated his total loss at around 3 million rupiah, including the device's value and remaining digital balance.

"The phone was purchased for around 2 million rupiah at the time. After reviewing the CCTV, it is clearly visible how it was stolen," he said.

Guntur hopes the perpetrators will voluntarily return the stolen items. Otherwise, he plans to report the case to the police and submit the CCTV footage as evidence.

The incident serves as a reminder for 24-hour store operators to secure valuable items more carefully and avoid leaving important belongings exposed in the cashier area. The repeated use of similar modus operandi has also raised public concern in Jelutung and surrounding areas.

Authorities under the jurisdiction of the Jambi City Police (Polresta Jambi) are being urged to increase patrols to prevent similar incidents in the future. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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