THE Dumaguete City Police Office has reported there are 548 more crimes in 2019 than in 2018, representing a 31.15 percent increase.

The increase in crime volume in 2019 compared to 2018 was, however, attributed to the proactive approach of the city police in engaging would-be criminals.

During the City Peace and Order Council meeting, Acting Chief-of-Police Lt. Col. Wilfredo Alarcon Jr. reported that the crimes committed in 2019 reached 2,307 compared to 1,759 in 2018.

However, among the reasons cited for the increase in crime volume was the more aggressive approach taken by the police through various means to prevent the commission of crimes.

Specifically, there were 22 murders in 2019 compared to 23 in 2018; four homicides in 2019 while none in 2018; 128 physical injuries in 2019 while 94 in 2018; 23 robbery incidents in 2019 while 40 in 2018; 15 rape cases in 2019 compared to 13 in 2018.

In 2019, some P12.3 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated from 137 suspects in the 106 operations conducted by the local police.

About 1,812.21 grams of “shabu” and 335.26 grams of marijuana were seized in 2019.

One hundred thirty nine cases are now under litigation in the courts.

Twelve persons were arrested along with 12 loose firearms while another 55 guns were voluntarily surrendered by their owners.

Meanwhile, 165 wanted persons were apprehended during 165 operations conducted in 2019. (PIA-Negros oriental with reports from CPIO)