Theft is top crime in Talisay City

CEBU, Philippines - Theft is the top crime committed in Talisay City, police records show.

Talisay City police chief Superintendent Reycel Carmelo Dayon said they are already alarmed of the proliferation of the petty crimes in the city with the trend hinting at social problems common nationwide.

In a crime statistics report, Dayon said cases of theft recorded reached 78 from January to April this year, followed by robbery with 28 and physical injury, 11.

Dayon pointed out that Barangays Lawaan I and Tabunok are where the theft incidents usually occur.

"Ang maong mga lugar maoy sentro sa komersiyo ug ang mga badlungon diha usab sa maong lugar mangita og biktimahon tungod kay kasagarang moanha sa Tabunok ug Lawaan I duna gyud kini dalang mga kwarta nga ipamalit sa ilang mga kinahanglanon," Dayon said.

The month of March and April reported the highest number of theft incidents with 27 and 23, respectively.

Eight cases of murder were also recorded in Talisay for the same period while carnapping cases hit seven.

The index crimes against persons or property committed last year reached 70 which included murder, physical injury, theft, robbery, rape and carnapping.

For non-index crimes or offenses punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Laws, such as enforcement on R.A. 9165 or anti-drug law and R.A. 9287 or anti- illegal gambling law, the PNP registered a total of 307 incidents.

Dayon said the biggest contributor to the increase in crime volume is the non-index crimes but he added that police operation and response was also high.

The increase in the number of incidents, however, is not an indication that peace and order in the city has worsened, as it is attributed to a new scheme of reporting of the PNP that includes the barangay blotter in listing crimes.

More police visibility is one of the responses made by the city police station to address reported crime cases.

The PNP remains to be vigilant and maintains its strong partnership and linkages with other law enforcement agencies and local government units including the civil society, Dayon said. (FREEMAN)