Establishments urged to mount CCTV cameras facing outside to deter or capture crime
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Amid the recent shooting incidents, killings, and even robberies in Cebu City, establishment owners are encouraged to put up closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) outside or facing outside their establishments.
Councilor Philip Zafra, the City Council’s chairperson for the committee on peace order, said that citizens should play an active role in keeping the city safe and orderly.
The recent shooting of 15 individuals in various barangays is a cause of concern and Zafra said that while the police are instructed to improve their visibility and crime prevention measures, the citizens can also do something to help.
Aside from the shootings, robberies have also been reported as well with Councilor James Cuenco as one of the recent victims when his house was robbed at midnight on Thursday, July 21, 2021, by an unidentified individual bringing a long firearm.
The perpetrator was caught on CCTV helping the police in the current investigations. This is the reason why Zafra believes CCTVs can help prevent and resolve crimes in the city.
Primarily, CCTVs can deter criminals simply because the cameras can increase their chances of getting identified and caught, thereby protecting the surrounding areas.
“Kung adunay investigations, mao man gyod na ang buhaton sa atong police, mangayo silag tabang sa mga establishments nga naay CCTV, among hangyo nga tabangan gyod nato ang police,” said Zafra.
Most importantly, CCTVs can help the police identify suspects of a crime if this was captured through the recordings, which is why establishments are also encouraged to cooperate with police investigators if crimes happen in their vicinities.
However, it is not only establishments that are encouraged to be more vigilant and employ increased security measures.
Landlords and landladies must report to the barangays should they have new tenants so that the barangays will have records on new residents.
They must also report any suspicious activities in their rented-out properties even through anonymous reporting so the barangays can coordinate with the police for monitoring.
“Mao gyod na atong gihangyo ireport nila sa barangay kung suspicious gani. Bahala na og anonymous,” said Zafra.
The councilor said he will be meeting the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) as well to discuss the status of peace and order in the city. /rcg
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