After effectively securing all polling precincts in the region in the recent midterm elections, the Police Regional Office-7 is now preparing security plans amid the possible surge of street crimes when classes resume next month.
PRO-7 regional director Silverio Alarcio, Jr. acknowledged the increase in street crimes during the opening of classes, particularly in public places such as malls, transport terminals, and in the vicinities of school campuses in the region.
"We will be activating our anti-crime program against street crimes in preparation for the opening of classes," Alarcio told The FREEMAN yesterday.
Alarcio said that chosen policemen would be deployed in the busy streets of Cebu, in the vicinity of business establishments, banks and public plazas to prevent street criminals from sowing trouble.
He said that police visibility in the abovementioned areas has proven to have discouraged criminals from initiating crimes.
Alarcio also urged the public to be vigilant while they are in public places by guarding their personal belongings. Also, they should watch out for strangers and suspicious persons who strike up a conversation. Alarcio warned that these suspicious persons could weave stories that might easily persuade or deceive people.
Street crimes such as pickpocketing, cellphone snatching, bag slashing, among others, are perennial crimes that occur during the opening of classes in Cebu.
He added that traffic congestions are expected to occur in major thoroughfares of the city, wherein criminals might take it as an opportunity to carry out crimes. - Gerome M. Dalipe/MEEV