Dip in number of car theft cases in QC

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) reported a drop in the number of car theft cases in the city during the first half of the year compared to same period covered last year.

According to  statistics provided by the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group, Manila registered the highest  number of stolen vehicles from January 1 to July 31 with 368, compared with Quezon City at 291. Quezon City is often referred to as the country’s  “car theft  capital.”

The QCPD recorded a 44-percent drop, from 666 in 2010 to 291 cases this year.  Manila and Quezon cities posted the highest number of car theft  incidents in July, where Quezon City recorded 64 cases as against the 84 cases registered in Manila.

The report also indicated other police districts in the National Capital Region, like Pasig City with 121 cases and Marikina City with 120. The cities of Taguig, Navotas and San Juan did not record a single car theft case.

District Anti-Carnapping Unit (Dacu) Chief Superintendent Ferdinand Villanueva said that not all reported cases of  missing  vehicles  were actually stolen.

He said  his unit had uncovered cases of  “false claims” where some car owners report losses for personal motives such as car insurance claims.

“The QCPD has been continuously reinforcing its patrol operations against bank robbery and car theft incidents. It has also  strengthened its  surveillance and intelligence network on  carjacking groups and their modus operandi,” said QCPD district director Chief Superintendent George Regis.