MPD lists crooks’ tricks to warn holiday crowds

The Manila Police District (MPD) is making a list for Christmas—one that warns about the different tactics used by robbers, thieves or con artists preying on shoppers, store personnel or commuters caught in the holiday rush.

Flyers are set for distribution in the city in the next few days, enumerating the common modus operandi used by these criminal groups, according to Supt. Marissa Bruno, head of the MPD public information office.

For example, Bruno said, one must be wary of people who suddenly act like your ‘’best friend” inside a store. They usually get into the picture when a customer is busy talking to the salesperson, by cutting in on the conversation and acting like he or she knows the customer.

This is to confuse both the customer and store personnel. Once both are distracted, the con-artist or an accomplice would then pocket one of the pricey items on display.

In shopping areas, another usual tactic is known as “the switch,” wherein the perpetrators would pretend to be interested in certain items which are in boxes, then furtively replace them with similar-looking boxes that are actually empty.

Other entries on the MPD list are the more familiar laglag-barya or tutok-kalawit, which are usually employed inside public utility vehicles.

Pickpocket scheme

To pull off a laglag-barya, robbers pretend to drop coins on the floor by accident and ask passengers to help pick them up. With their attention drawn to the scattered coins, the passengers often fail to realize that pickpockets are already at work.

Tutok-kalawit, meanwhile, involves the use of small knives or ice picks which are easily concealable. The perpetrators seat themselves next to their target to discreetly threaten them until they are forced to give up their belongings, without attracting attention inside the vehicle.

The pasa-bilis style is a group effort, with the thieving members quickly passing the stolen item to one another to avoid detection.

Another variation involves one member who slashes open the victim’s bag or pocket to get his fingers on the contents.

The success of these modus operandi depends on the diverted attention of the victims or of the people around them, Bruno said.

‘’While we will have police officers stationed in shopping areas, especially those with high traffic like Divisoria, private individuals also have a responsibility to remain vigilant and be alert for any criminal activity,” the MPD official said.

Bruno said the flyers are scheduled for distribution this week in schools, offices and shopping areas in Manila.