Quezon cops warn public on holiday crimes

Police personnel in Quezon province wear Santa Claus and other Christmas-related costumes while distributing materials warning the public to be alert against criminalities prevalent during the holiday season in a project dubbed “Santa COPS Information Campaign” launched on Wednesday, Dec. 9. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE QUEZON PROVINCIAL POLICE OFFICE

LUCENA CITY –– Police personnel in Quezon province donned Santa Claus and other colorful costumes as they launched a province-wide public awareness campaign against holiday-related criminal activities.

Colonel Audie Madrideo, Quezon police director, said the project dubbed “Santa COPS Information Campaign” launched on Wednesday, aims to warn the public of criminalities prevalent during Yuletide season.

In a statement, Madrideo said policemen wore Christmas characters or any identifiable popular mascots “to show the lighter side of the PNP and establish a good rapport with the public.”

Police forces in the province’s two cities and 39 towns distributed campaign leaflets and flyers on the streets, shopping malls, supermarkets, and other similar places to promote public awareness and safety against shoplifters, pickpockets, “basag kotse” (breaking car windows to open and ransack the vehicle) syndicates, and other crimes.

The police also reminded the public of the strict implementation of minimum health safety protocols like physical distancing and the proper wearing of face masks and face shields to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Policemen also distributed free face masks and face shields during the campaign’s launch.

LZB