Criminological Review of Armed Robbery (Begal) Crimes Using Sharp Weapons Within the Jurisdiction of Belawan Port Police Resort

Abstract

Armed robbery (begal) involving the use of sharp weapons has become one of the most disturbing criminal phenomena within the jurisdiction of the Belawan Port Police Resort. This study aims to analyze the factors contributing to the occurrence of armed robbery crimes, the modus operandi employed by offenders, as well as the countermeasures implemented by the police and the obstacles encountered in their enforcement efforts. This research employs an empirical juridical (sociological law) approach using qualitative methods. Primary data were obtained through in-depth interviews with investigators from the Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) of the Belawan Port Police Resort and with offenders and victims. Secondary data were collected through literature studies and police report documentation. The findings indicate that the primary factors driving armed robbery crimes include economic hardship, particularly unemployment; adverse social environments and peer influences; low levels of education; and the high prevalence of narcotics abuse, especially methamphetamine (shabu-shabu), among adolescents. The most common modus operandi involves surveilling victims in isolated areas, forcibly intercepting their vehicles, and threatening or injuring them with sharp weapons in order to seize motorcycles and other valuable property. Countermeasures undertaken by the Belawan Port Police Resort include preventive strategies such as large-scale patrol operations (Enhanced Routine Activities/KRYD) in crime-prone areas, as well as repressive measures through firm and proportional law enforcement actions against perpetrators. The principal obstacles faced by law enforcement authorities include limited personnel resources, inadequate public street lighting infrastructure, and insufficient community participation in reporting indications of criminal activities. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening cross-sectoral coordination between law enforcement agencies and local government authorities to improve public infrastructure, as well as revitalizing community-based neighborhood security systems (Siskamling) to enhance crime prevention efforts.