The Philippine National Police in Western Visayas called on parents and students to take extra precautions as the opening of classes is usually marked by higher incidence of street crimes.

Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas, regional police director of Western Visayas, yesterday said they have noted that criminal elements usually take advantage of the opening of classes, as parents and students rush for last-minute enrollment and buying of school supplies.

“Bringing big amounts of money and wearing of expensive jewelries among will attract hold-uppers and snatchers,” Cuevas said.

He encouraged parents to remind their children not to accept gifts or rides from people they are not familiar with. Students must always go with their friends rather than walk alone, he added.

The PNP recommends that students write body or plate numbers before riding a passenger utility vehicle, and avoid taking PUVs with suspicious-looking passengers, and, for women, those with all-male passengers.

“While we have deployed lots of police personnel on the streets, the cooperation of the public is still badly needed to ensure peace and order at all times,” Cuevas said.*GPB

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