Cops laud LGU support as Kidapawan crime rate drops

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Crime rate in this city has dropped by 42.76 percent this year compared to the previous year.

Supt. Ramil Hojilla, Kidapawan City police director, said they recorded 127 crimes this year or 170 cases lower than the 297 crime incidents in 2017.

Hojilla attributed the drop to the support extended by the local government units to the local police, including the cooperation of village officials and the general public as well.

However, the police official noted that while crimes such as murder, physical injuries, theft, motorcycle theft and robbery, had dropped, rape cases have increased.

Records show that the city police's women and children’s desk registered 13 cases of rape, compared to the nine cases recorded last year.

Meanwhile, Hojilla said the city police “target hardening measures” will continue, especially during the holidays.

“Our police force here is closely watching motorcycle theft that is expected to rise during the Christmas and New Year revelries,” he said.

Hojilla said the local police recorded 36 cases of motorcycle theft this year, compared to the 132 incidents in 2017.

He attributed the decrease to the "massive preventive measures by the police and the cooperation of motorcycle owners."

Hojilla also appealed tor homeowners to make sure their homes are properly locked and secured from burglars while vacationing for the holidays. (PNA)