In 3RD quarter of 2011 theft tops list of cases in CV

CEBU, Philippines - Theft tops the number of most rampant cases in Region 7 for the third quarter of 2011, records of the Police Regional Office 7 revealed.

There were 2,031 cases of theft recorded from July to September. This number is lower than the 3,084 cases recorded in the same period last year.

This is followed by robbery with 996 cases, physical injuries with 793 cases, murder with 166 cases, carnapping with 145 cases and homicide with 73 cases.

Theft also topped the record last year followed by physical injuries with 1,099 cases; robbery with 1,278 cases; murder with 193 cases; carnapping with 146 cases; and cattle rustling with 16 cases.

For the third quarter this year, the Cebu City Police Office recorded the most number with 1,988 cases. It is followed by the Cebu Provincial Police Office with 1,698 cases; Bohol Provincial Police Office and Negros Oriental Police Office with 792 cases each; Lapu-Lapu City Police Office with 678 cases; Mandaue City Police Office with 393 cases; and the Siquijor Provincial Police Office with 40 cases.

Cebu City Police Director Sr. Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe explained once that the number of incidents of theft in Cebu City is spurred by the economic boost and progressive economic activities that provided a situation for criminals to take advantage of.

“That’s why we really need the help of the public to report to us if necessary if they see suspicious men roaming around so we could take immediate action,” Buenafe said.

Based on their records, preemptive measures showed effectiveness in solving crimes.

Meanwhile, records also show that the number of crimes in Central Visayas in the third quarter decreased in the past three consecutive years despite the increase of population and economic activity.

Assessment by the Regional Information and Detection Management Division of the PNP showed a continuous decrease – there were 9,359 crimes recorded in 2009 but this went down to 8,081 crimes in 2010, manifesting a decrease of 13.66 percent. This number decreased further in 2010 by 21.49 percent with the recorded 6,344 cases.

The average monthly crime rate in the region also decreased by seven percent from 2009 to 2010 and decreased by eight percent from 2010 to 2011.

The RIDMD evaluated that generally, the peace and order situation in Region 7 is manageable and that Central Visayas remains one of the most desirable places to live, work, invest and do business in. — (FREEMAN)