Got this from an e-mail and I hope everyone is more careful when they go on their runs.

Dear All,

 

For sharing on a hold-up incident on 22 Sep 08  at 2:46 pm in a well-lit pedestrian walkway at the corner of Paseo de Roxas/ Ayala Avenue.

 

SITUATION

 

An accountant and a police officer were reportedly injured during a holdup perpetrated by four robbers armed with a 12-inch ice pick at around 1446 H (2:46 p.m.) last  Monday, 22 September. The incident occurred at the well-lit pedestrian walkway at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Avenue in Makati City. With the assistance of security guards, two of the four perpetrators were arrested by the police and are currently facing charges. A search is currently underway for the remaining suspects.

 

Both the victim and the injured police officer were immediately given appropriate medical care and have reportedly been discharged and are recovering.

 

LESSONS LEARNED

 

Although criminality is always a serious concern in any major urban area anywhere in the world, the timing and apparent brazenness of this incident is a cause for serious concern for the following reasons:

 

·         It occurred in day time during heavy pedestrian traffic hours;

·         It happened in a well lighted, well traveled pedestrian walkway;

·         Private security and police visibility were already increased at this time;

·         The perpetrators were very aggressive; normally, if a victim gave in to a robber’s demands without resistance, the criminals usually prefer to simply walk away and disappear into a crowd.

 

The authorities warn that due to the current economic situation in the country and because of the onset of the Christmas shopping season, thieves and other criminals will seek to take advantage of the situation. Thieves usually like to strike in crowded areas since it conceals their activities and provides a means of escape by blending into the crowd.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

 

·         Before going out, check to see if your belongings are secure. Are the closures on your bag closed? Put your wallet in a front pocket or under clothing. Are you carrying too much cash or other valuables? Carry only the cash or credit cards you need. Divide up your cash and place them in different places on your person.

·         As much as possible, wear comfortable non-slip shoes that don’t fall off in case you need to run away.

·         Be aware of your environment. Do you notice and avoid potential areas for concealment such as shrubs and dark corners?

·         Remain alert. It would be good to avoid using portable personal stereos with headphones (like your iPod) while walking since this not only distracts you, but also prevents you from hearing things going on around you.

·         If you feel uncomfortable about a person, place or a situation, trust your instincts and LEAVE IMMEDIATELY.

·         Maintain a low profile and avoid an ostentatious show of affluence. A good rule of thumb is, if you can’t afford to lose it, leave it at home.

·         Carry your handbag in a secure manner. It would be best to use non-descript bags to avoid attracting attention from criminals.

·         If you suspect that you are being followed by suspicious looking persons, take a few turns to see if they are still following you. If in doubt, try drawing attention to yourself (shout, use a whistle or a small personal alarm). Remember that it is better to be embarrassed in being wrong than to fail in taking action that may save you and your belongings. Go to the nearest security guard or police officer as soon as possible.

·         If confronted by a potentially dangerous, armed robber, do not resist. Your life is worth much more than any material possessions.

·         Always have a means of emergency communications and your emergency contact card with you. It would also be good to always carry identification, preferably with your blood type and other special medical conditions (e.g. allergies) indicated on it.

·         Report all security incidents (even near misses) to CSIS so that relevant assistance in filing police reports and seeking other similar help from the authorities may be rendered.

 

For any safety and security concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

Please share this with your staffs as an advisory for their personal safety and security awareness.