Three Youths Allegedly Steal Mobile Phone at Convenience Store in East Jambi

JAMBI | INDATANEWS.COM – A mobile phone theft was reported at a 24-hour convenience store in the Rajawali area of Kasang Village, East Jambi District, after three young men allegedly stole a store employee's device by posing as customers.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. local time on Monday, June 1, 2026, along Jalan Panglima Polim. According to information gathered at the scene, the suspects arrived on a black motorcycle and were reportedly from the Tanjung Pinang area of East Jambi.

Suspects Used Fuel Purchase and Shopping Ruse

Witnesses said one of the suspects initially requested fuel worth Rp5,000, while his two companions waited near the fuel pump.

Afterward, the main suspect entered the store and pretended to ask for a lighter to light a cigarette. To further distract the employee, he purchased several snacks and engaged in casual conversation about the prices of goods.

During the interaction, the suspect allegedly spotted a mobile phone lying on the cashier's counter. Taking advantage of the situation, he discreetly picked up the device with his left hand and slipped it into the back pocket of his pants while continuing the conversation to avoid drawing attention.

The suspects reportedly exploited a moment when the store employee was busy serving another customer outside the store and the cashier area was left unattended.

CCTV Footage Captures Theft

The theft was discovered shortly after the employee completed the fuel transaction and returned to the cashier area, only to find that the mobile phone was missing.

The employee then reviewed the store's CCTV footage, which reportedly showed the suspect taking the phone from the cashier's counter.

As a result of the incident, the store owner suffered losses estimated at several million rupiah.

Store Owner Considers Filing Police Report

Store owner Lia said the theft caused a significant financial loss.

"The stolen phone was purchased new for around Rp3 million," she said.

Lia urged business owners and residents to remain vigilant against theft schemes carried out under the guise of legitimate purchases.

According to her, the suspects were three young men dressed in black clothing and riding a black motorcycle.

She also stated that she plans to publicly circulate the CCTV footage and report the case to authorities if the suspects fail to voluntarily return the stolen mobile phone. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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