Police warn public against lawless elements in Christmas season

PETTY crimes are expected to rise during the Christmas season.

With this, the police are asking the public to be cautious.

Insp. Rolando Pinili, chief of the theft and robbery section of the Cebu City police, said they are coordinating with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJPM) to monitor the inmates who have just been released from jail.

Pinili said the purpose of the monitoring is to preempt the newly released inmates from carrying out crimes.

People who were suspected to be involved in illegal activities will also be monitored, said Pinili.

Pinili said they observed that petty crimes like snatching and robberies are common incidents during the holidays.

He said policemen have been deployed in crime-prone areas and that regular patrols has been intensified.

Operatives of the Mobile Patrol Group (MPG) and Motorcops Riding Unit (MRU) will be more visible, said Pinili.

Senior Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe, chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) , asked the public to cooperate with the police avoid being victimized by criminals.

In a press briefing last week, Supt. Audie Villacin, chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Branch, reminded the public to avoid bringing a large amount of money./CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON