Beware of traffic bandits

Lock all doors and close the windows of your vehicles to avoid being victimized by robbers preying on motorists caught in heavy traffic.

This was the warning raised by the Western Police District (WPD) following numerous incidents of traffic robberies in Manila.

Senior Police Officer 1 Celso Tan said the modus operandi of these robbers is to wait for the traffic light to turn red, and then look for cars with unlocked doors and open windows.

"After finding a target, these criminals would open the car’s door and quickly take items on the car seats at least five seconds before the traffic light turns green," Tan said.

Tan said motorists are sometimes too stunned to react allowing the robbers to escape.

"A number of these incidents take place along President Quirino Avenue and South Super Highway in Paco, Manila," Tan added.

Tan said the latest victim of the robbers was businesswoman Dolores Paredes who lost some P640,000 in cash and valuables.

Paredes was in her car when she was caught in traffic in the area. While waiting for the traffic to move, Paredes opened the window to light a cigarette.

It was at that moment that the robbers grabbed the victim’s bag. – Cecille Suerte Felipe