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Baseball federation secretary-general robbed in Taichung

Taichung City, notorious for its high crime, was embarrassed after some of its invited guests for the 2008 IBAF Final Olympic Qualifying Tournament were robbed on Thursday night while walking down the street.

Taichung police said that the secretary-general of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) had a bag stolen he was carrying for his secretary, Erica. IBAF sectary-general, Australian John Ostermeyer, was in the city with other IBAF officials to watch the 2008 IBAF Final Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Taichung Mayor Jason Hu (胡志強) told reporters yesterday that he was sorry to hear about the incident and apologized to Ostermeyer and Erica.

The mayor said the police would investigate the robbery. He also said the city would continue to improve its security.

Police said that late on Thursday night Ostermeyer and his secretary had walked to the Shin Kong Cineplex to see a movie near the Evergreen Laurel Hotel where they were staying. But when they were walking along Taichung Kang Road returning to the hotel, a young man riding a scooter suddenly rode onto the sidewalk and snatched the bag from Ostermeyer.

Police said Ostermeyer's secretary reported that she had 1,500 euros (US$2,300) and more than NT$2,000 in her bag.

Police said yesterday they have checked a surveillance camera near the location of the incident, but have yet to identify the suspect.
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