Crime victimization down in Q2 – SWS poll

MANILA, Philippines — Although still higher than the annual average in previous years, crime victimization slightly eased in the second quarter of the year, a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed.

From 8.7 percent in April, the percentage of respondents who reported having a family member falling victim to a property crime slightly went down to 8.3 percent in the poll conducted from June 25 to 29.

Victimization involving common crimes dropped from 9.6 percent to 8.6 percent. Cybercrime incidents fell from 7.6 percent to 4.9 percent.

Last year, the average victimization rate was five percent for property crimes, 5.5 percent for any common crimes and 4.9 percent for cybercrimes.

The SWS asked respondents if a member of their household fell victim to street robbery, home break-in, vehicle theft, physical violence and cybercrime in the past six months.

The pollster noted that victimization by common crimes reported in the survey is often higher than the number of crimes reported to police.

Among the specific crimes, pickpocketing remains the most common, with six percent saying a member of their household fell victim over the past six months.

It was followed by break-ins at 3.3 percent and car theft and physical violence at 0.5 percent.

Filipinos’ fears

The poll also asked the respondents about their fears in their neighborhood.

Some 55 percent said they fear burglary, almost similar to 56 percent in April, but down from the 2024 average of 58.5 percent.

Those who fear unsafe streets went down from 54 percent to 46 percent, while those who fear the presence of drug addicts went down from 45 percent to 37 percent.

The 2024 annual average for fear of unsafe streets was 51.5 percent, while it was 45.5 percent for fear of drug addicts.

The survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus 2.8 percent.