HPG warns on rising motorcycle theft cases

CEBU, Philippines - The Highway Patrol Group-7 is warning the public on the rising trend of motorcycle theft in Cebu as some motorcycle engines are now sold and used as pumpboat engines.

Senior Inspector Oliver Plaña, HPG-7 spokesperson, said that they have observed that the number of cases involving motorcycle theft is on the rise.

He said that this might be partly attributed to the complacency of some of the owners who think that leaving their motorcycles locked would be enough.

Plaña said that they have discovered some suspects would use children in their illegal activities by letting them sit on the motorcycles to check if the owner is around. If nobody reacts, the thieves will then start to execute their plan.

“Ang ilang modus lingkod-lingkoran og bata…sunod naa nay dagko nga tawo mosandig-sandig mao nay mokuha sa motorcycle,” Plaña said.

Plaña narrated that almost every day, they record a case of motorcycle theft but clarified that it has not reached an alarming level.

But although it is not alarming, it is still a problem as it is still on the rise, said Plaña.

“Ang mga nangawala nga motor usa sa naghatag og problema sa atoang lugar kay wala man gud nikunhod,” he added.

Plaña said that they have noticed some of the stolen motorcycles in the north were brought to the southern part of Cebu and vice versa while some were brought to the nearby islands.

He said that reports reached their office that some of the stolen motorcycle engines are now being used as engines of some pump boats.

With this report he said that HPG-7 will coordinate with the Regional Maritime Unit-7 to check the report.

“Kung gihimo nang makina sa pump boat, mo-coordinate na sad mi sa maritime so ang tanang mga sakyanan pandagat nga gigamitan og motorcycle ato nang i-check ang engine number. Apan dili na siya layo nga posibilidad, kay ang bangka pwede man siya drayban og ma-kina sa motorcycle,” he added.

With this, he reminds motorcycle owners to be very careful and to keep in mind that when they leave their motorcycles, if possible, it should not just be locked at the hand bar but to put a padlock on the sprocket. (FREEMAN)