PNP: Car thefts drop by 70%

MANILA, Philippines - Car theft cases in the country have dropped by 70 percent since June last year, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Friday.

According to the PNP, an average of eight car theft incidents from August 24 to September 27 had been reported this year. This accounted for a 70 percent decrease from an average of 39 incidents before Oplan Lambat-Sibat was implemented in June last year.

The PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) identified the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) as the police district with the most significant decrease in reported car theft incidents.

According to the PNP-DIDM, only one incident was recorded from Sept. 21 to 27 this year. It would be recalled that out of the 39 car theft incidents in June 2014, the QCPD recorded 15 cases.

Meanwhile, from Sept. 21 to 27, 2015, the Southern Police District (SPD) also recorded only one incident of car theft followed by the Manila Police District (MPD) and the Eastern Police District (EPD) with two incidents each. The Northern Police District (NPD) meanwhile reported three cases.

The DIDM also reported that 86 percent of reported stolen Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) from Jan. 5 to Sept. 27 this year were taxicabs while 12 percent were jeepneys. 

Meanwhile, 27 percent of stolen private vehicles were vans followed by sedans (19 percent), sports utility vehicles (18 percent) and cargo trucks (17 percent).

The PNP also reported that 54 percent of stolen vehicles were taken while parked while 29 percent were forcibly taken.

According to the PNP, 63 percent of car thefts happened between 12:01 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. The PNP is advising motorists to be more vigilant against car thieves especially during nighttime.

The PNP has advised motorists to always park in a safe and well-lit area, install a car security alarm and make sure that the car’s windows and doors are locked at all times.