Bike theft highest in QC

QUEZON City, which years ago earned the tag of being the “carnapping capital” of the country, appears to be topping another unsavory list.

Figures released by the Philippine National Police on Saturday showed that the city recorded the highest number of motorcycle thefts this week compared to other localities in Metro Manila.

Of the 39 cases of motorcycle theft incidents tallied in that period, the Quezon City Police District recorded 15 cases in its jurisdiction, followed by the Manila Police District’s 12 incidents.

The Southern Police District tallied six stolen motorcycles, while the Northern and Eastern Police District had the lowest with only three apiece.

The PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management said this month saw an average of 39 bike thefts a week in the capital.

The number represents a significant drop from the weekly average of 63 incidents tallied in June 2014, it said.

The PNP advised the public to always park motorcycles in safe, secure and well-lit areas, install alarms or security devices on the bikes, use tire-locks and keep motorcycle keys stowed away when not in use.

In June, the Southern Police District (SPD) opened a  Facebook account for the SPD-Dancar (District Anti-Carnapping Group) containing photos of motorcycles recovered from robbers and other criminal groups, for the vehicles to be reclaimed by their owners.

The site also posts the corresponding model, license plate and other descriptions of the recovered bikes. Jaymee T. Gamil/RAM