PNP: Don’t tip thieves off on FB

PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. Photo by Julliane Love de Jesus/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

Leaving town during Holy Week? Avoid tipping off burglars that there will be no one in your house by not announcing your vacation plans on Facebook.

The Philippine National Police called on the public Monday to exercise restraint in posting their whereabouts on social network sites during the Holy Week break so as not to attract criminals.

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. pointed out that criminals go online but for a different purpose: To scour for possible victims.

“Even lawless elements know how to use the Internet to look for the victims they will rob or burglarize. So let us practice a little secrecy and not advertise our plans for the long weekend,” the police official said in a press briefing in Camp Crame.

The reminder was one of several tips provided by the PNP which has gone on alert as thousands of people head for the provinces during the Holy Week break, leaving their houses empty.

In addition, Cerbo also advised travelers to travel light and avoid bringing expensive jewelry or gadgets which may attract the attention of robbers.

The public may contact the PNP through its hotlines 2920, 117 and 0917-8475757, or through its social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter. Julie M. Aurelio