CEBU - There are lesser crimes committed in Region 7 during the first half of the last quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in the last two years, the Police Regional Office said.
PRO-7’s comparative crime volume report showed that only 1,085 crimes have been committed from October 1 to November 20 this year compared to the 2,525 crimes in 2006 and 1,978 crimes in 2007.
Cebu City recorded the most number of crimes in Region 7 with 31 percent compared to the 30 percent committed in Cebu province and 15 percent in Bohol.
The top three crimes recorded include theft, physical injuries, and robbery.
During the “Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis” yesterday, PRO-7 Director Ronald Roderos said they have heightened security in the region with the advent of the Christmas season.
Police anticipate crime volume to soar owing to petty crimes committed during Christmas.
But Roderos said they will do their best that the crime volume in the region will exceed beyond what is already on record once the Christmas season lapses.
Among the heightened security measures include increase police visibility, random checkpoints, close coordination with the local government units through information drives and inspection in public places like airports, seaports and critical infrastructures like churches that house hundreds of civilians during dawn mass.
Roderos said they would also intensify the recently-formed “Task Force Motorsiklo,” to deter crimes committed by motorcycle-riding men. In fact, a weekly brainstorming is on schedule to map out the weekly saturation drives and intelligence operations.
Roderos said no policeman would go on leave on Christmas, as the Santa cops would be revived.
A memorandum has already been issued for the policemen’s firearms to be sealed with packaging tapes to avoid abuse of the guns, especially during the New Year. — Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/JMO (THE FREEMAN)