‘Riding-in-tandem’ crimes in WV slashed by half

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

The bad news: 64 crimes perpetrated by motorcycle-riding suspects, or colloquially known as riding-in-tandem, happened eight months into 2020.

But the good part is the number is lower compared to the same period last year.

Reports from the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) indicated that 126 MRS-perpetrated cases occurred from January to August 2019.

The 64 cases in 2020 so far is 49.2 percent lower compared to last year.

Data from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) showed that 7 crimes lumped under the eight focus crimes significantly decreased.

Consider the murder cases: from 40 incidents last year, it went down to 27 this year.

While there were three homicide cases last year, none was recorded this year.

Meanwhile, physical injuries decreased from 28 to 16 cases this year; robbery from 30 to 10 cases; carnapping of motorcycles from 7 to 2; and theft from 15 to 6.

Meanwhile, rape cases remain at three.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, PRO-6 spokesperson, said the decrease in the 8-Focus Crimes perpetrated by MRS can be attributed to the Enhanced Managing Police Operations where deployment of checkpoint operations and patrol operations are based on the crime analysis, and deployment of police personnel in Quarantine Control Points (QCPs).

She also cited the focused police operation or the “Birada Semana” project which aimed to boost the PRO-6 operational accomplishments and impedes the use of loose firearms in perpetrating crimes.

But on top of that, Malong emphasized the cooperation of the public and the help of the media in promoting crime prevention are also essential in the reduction crime incidents.

Relatedly, Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, Western Visayas police chief, reminded all units to implement the Enhanced Managing Police Operations, the PNP’s anti-crime strategy, properly.

“In order to prevent crimes, the deployment of all patrol units and the Information Operations must be aligned to the result of crime analysis which is being done weekly,” Pamuspusan said.

He also asked the public to actively participate in crime prevention efforts of the PNP by being aware of their surroundings and reporting suspicious activities or personalities.