Cocpo releases data on top crimes in Oro
Theft and crimes against property are the top offenses this year, according to data from the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo).
Cocpo data showed that from the month of October alone, police recorded 148 cases of crimes against property, 101 of which were theft reported to the different police stations of the city.
Other cases that fall under crimes against property are robbery (36); carnapping (11); and cattle rustling (0).
The city police office also noted 72 incidents of crimes against persons with physical injuries prevalent in 50 cases. Crime against persons include murder
(2); homicide (2); and rape (18). On the other hand, Cocpo recorded 109 cases of non-index crimes. This covers acts of lasciviousness (6); adultery (1); alarm and scandal (16); arson (1); frustrated child abuse (1); direct assault (6); estafa (4); falsification of documents (2); grave threats (15); libel (1); light threats (2); malicious mischief (14); among others.
Chief Inspector Mardy Hortillosa II, Cocpo spokesperson, said from January to October this year, theft cases reached more than 1,700.
He said traffic-related incidents came in second to theft with 196 cases recorded.
Hortillosa said vehicular accidents can be prevented if motorists and pedestrians alike are mindful of the traffic laws and road regulations.
Hortillosa said crime could be prevented if the general public is security conscious at all times since the police may not be able to guard everyone because of lack of personnel.
Hortillosa urged the public to put in place personal security measures to prevent being victimized by criminal elements.
“Naa gyud hinoon uban nga giplano gyud ang pagpangawat pero ang uban sama sa snatching ug pickpocketing pwede na mapugngang kung security conscious ta (There are theft cases that were being planned but we can deter snatching and pickpocketing for example if we are security conscious),”Hortillosa said.
Hortillosa said crime volume in the city has significantly dropped this year because of the police’s intensified efforts in fighting criminality, anti-illegal drug operations and the implementation of martial law.