Season of thieves

AS the mobility of people living in areas under Alert Level 1 has increased, public places like malls and wet markets, entertainment hubs and hotels’ function rooms, churches and places of religious gatherings have been brimming with people.

Places filled with people also attract people with criminal intentions: pickpockets and other thieves with varied techniques.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año has reminded the public to be careful when in public places as they could fall victim to thieves. The

DILG has reported that cases of index crimes, particularly theft, have risen in several areas under Alert Level 1, the lowest status in the Covid-19 alert system. Index crimes are those committed against properties (burglary, robbery, stealing of vehicles) and persons (murder, homicide, physical injury, rape).

Año attributed the rise in theft cases to increased mobility. Under Alert Level 1, business hubs are allowed to operate at full capacity provided that minimum public health standards such as proper wearing of face masks and ventilation are observed; public transportation has been restored to full capacity; intrazonal and interzonal travel is permitted regardless of age, comorbidities and other health risks.

The most common tips from the police to people before going to public places include not wearing jewelry and not bringing lots of cash as one may use a debit card.

However, the safest thing to do these days is to stay at home most of the time to protect loved ones with compromised immunity, and avoid unnecessary trips to malls and places where people usually gather. (Sunnex)