THE Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is urging the public to be on alert against several modus operandi by crime syndicates during the MassKara festival period.
Chief Inspector Sherlock Gabana, BCPO public information officer, said criminals will be taking advantage of the influx of visitors, both foreign and local, to victimize unsuspecting victims.
One of these is the “baraha gang” modus where syndicates use credit cards in accessing a victim’s account. An operator will use a credit card to pay for food eaten in restaurants which are then swiped in a skimming device to gain access to a victim’s account.
Another scheme is the “Dura boys” where the suspects will create a scene in bus and jeepney terminals. This is usually carried out by a group of three members where one informs a victim that someone spat on his sleeve or back.
As the victim shakes-off the supposed dirt, another member steals the person's valuables.
"Besfren gang may take place in a mall or open market targeting mobile phones, watches and jewelry of a victim," Gabana said.
In this modus a member pretends to be a friend and borrows an item from the victim. Then he goes away with the gadget and will not return.
Another tactic is "tuktok kalawit" where someone befriends a victim, secretly pokes a sharp object quietly telling the person to turn over his cash and valuables.
Another strategy is when a gang member accuses the victim of a wrongdoing and the victim will be asked to present his or her ID from the wallet while the other members grab it and run away.
Gabana said they have issued the warning to remind the public to be careful and mindful. (PR)