Students, beware! An unidentified man drops some coins on board a jeepney to distract would-be-victims in this screen grab from Youtube.
Police distributed flyers and posted stickers warning students about the new modus operandi of criminals, especially aboard jeepneys.
Among the new criminal tactics are putting bubble gum on a victim’s hair, dropping some coins (laglag barya) and slashing pockets or bags (laslas bulsa).
READ: ‘Laglag Barya’ gang came from Mindanao, police say
“Most of the victims are jeepney passengers. Some of the thieves will put bubble gum on one’s hair. Once you encounter such incident, just ignore the gum. They will take advantage of your belongings, once you get caught up with the gum on your hair,” said Chief Insp. Enrique Belciña.
Belciña, head of the Police Community Relations (PCR) of Cebu City Police, led the posting of stickers on jeepneys last Friday. The stickers list some safety tips and indicate the police hotline of CCPO.
READ: Video of ‘laglag barya’ fresh warning
“This is a guide to students as well as for others so that they will not fall victims to these crimes – an advice so that they may not become victims of snatching or robbery,” he said.
Putting bubble gum on the victim’s hair and dropping some coins usually divert the passengers’ attention, allowing the criminals to pick their pockets and steal their valuables.
Flyers were also distributed at Cebu Normal University (CNU) along Osmeña Blvd. for students, especially incoming freshmen, to warn them about the new tactics.
Belciña also warned against the Salisi gang, who move in when the victim is distracted. The perpetrators are usually well-dressed and able to blend with the crowd so as not to appear suspicious. They usually victimize people in crowded fastfood outlets or restaurants.
In an emergency, victims may dial 166 or contact 0906-390-3402 for Globe users and 0942-805-7699 for Sun Cellular users.
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