BY: VANESSA BUGTONG
A series of car break-in incidents has once again been reported in Baguio City, with some caught on CCTV footage.
In a CCTV recording from Barangay Middle Quirino Hill at around 4 a.m. on March 4, a man is seen walking along the street before approaching a parked vehicle.
After looking at its rear section, he walks away—only to return and smash the car’s window to steal valuables inside.
Another video from a concerned citizen shows broken taxi windows in the same barangay.
Meanwhile, CCTV footage from March 2 captured a vehicle’s lights suddenly turning on while parked on the roadside, indicating another break-in by an unidentified suspect.
These incidents have alarmed residents of the area.
“We are unsure who the suspect is because, even after reviewing the CCTV footage, we could not identify him. However, his face is clearly visible after enhancements,” said Barangay Captain Larry Datayan.
According to Datayan, car break-ins have happened in their barangay before.
“We enforce security measures on all roads, but at night, some car owners park in areas that are difficult to monitor. Unfortunately, our personnel cannot guard every vehicle,” he added.
Despite barangay officials conducting patrols, they admit they are understaffed, especially during early morning hours. This has left some residents, like 60-year-old Leticia Bacolong, feeling unsafe.
“It is concerning because it no longer feels safe,” Bacolong said.
“Many people go out early in the morning for trading or night markets, and now they feel uneasy,” she added.
Baguio City police urge residents to report such incidents immediately so authorities can take action.
“Parking in unsecured areas comes with risks. It is best to park in safer, well-lit locations to prevent these break-ins,” said Police Major Marcy Grace Marron, spokesperson of the Baguio City Police Office.
Authorities are still investigating the total value of stolen items, but barangay officials believe the same suspect is responsible for multiple break-ins in the area.
