Recently, I witnessed a snatching incident during a traffic jam at the intersection of Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. A young man wearing face mask, who seemed to be around 20 years old, came from behind a female student and snatched her gold earrings and immediately fled. The victim was getting onboard a bus bound to Marikina City. The bus conductor presumed that the snatcher was her boyfriend or husband since his right arm was almost wrapped in a loving gesture around the shoulder of the student. The student cried bitterly since the earrings had sentimental value, as they were gifts from her mother.
I remember my daughter, when she was in college, who had a traumatic experience when her shoulder bag was snatched by riders of a motorcycle with a sidecar along P. Margal corner De la Fuente Streets, Sampaloc, Manila, on her way to the University of Santo Tomas. Her school ID, her weekly allowance, cell phone accessories, ATM card, and other personal effects were in the bag. She was shocked and went home crying bitterly.
One passenger said that it is Christmas, and it is a wonderful time for everyone, including those who commit petty crimes. Snatching, robbery, theft, and other street crimes are more commonplace during Christmas because many people carry more cash and gifts, including the use of cell phones at busy locations like shopping malls, churches, train stations, market areas, and similar public places.
I suggest that our police officers enhance their visibility and patrol activities during this holiday season, and for the public to be extra cautious and be more prudent in carrying cash, wearing of jewelries, or showing off their cell phones in hotspot locations in order to avoid becoming victims of street crimes.
REGINALD B. TAMAYO,
Marikina City