Theft cases on the rise

CEBU, Philippines - An average of 37 theft cases is recorded in Central Visayas everyday as reflected on the e-blotter system of the police.

As it marks today the beginning of the month-long observance of crime prevention, Police Regional Office-7 officials urged the public to be more security conscious.

Senior Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, chief of the Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division, noted an increase in theft incidents in the region from January to July this year.

Lawas said the RIDMD-7 has already recorded 7,883 theft cases from January to July. The figure is higher by 100 incidents compared to the same period last year.  

These are the most common theft cases: simple theft, 2,578 incidents; “akyat bahay”, 872 incidents; pickpockets, 628 cases; and 626 cases of salisi.

Lawas said that cases of salisi have increased from March to July this year.

In Cebu City, pickpocket incidents, especially in Mango Avenue where tourists hangout, have been addressed by the police. Cebu City Police Office director Noli Romana said he ordered Chief Inspector Wildemar Tiu who has jurisdiction of the area to clear the place from criminals and make it tourist- friendly.

Tiu fielded more policemen in the area as well as anti-crime volunteers to discourage criminals from committing crimes. The police, however, asked the public to be more conscious of their security by avoiding dark places alone, do not show electronic gadgets in public, and do not wear jewelry or any other things of value in public places so as not to invite attention from criminals.  (FREEMAN)