| How do you spot a thief? How do you know that | | | | are quiet but they seem so restless," the criminologist |
| someone has evil intentions? How can you know that | | | | says. |
| the stranger over the phone is telling the truth? | | | | Ordinary people like us without detective training may |
| "It's gut feel," says an experienced police officer. | | | | find it a bit hard to discern people with bad intentions, |
| "Also, keen observation, by the movement of the | | | | but we must make it our responsibility to be aware |
| hands, the way someone acts, through his | | | | of their modus operandi. |
| mannerisms. That's how you can tell that someone is | | | | With regard to the "Budol-budol" gang, the victims |
| in good or bad faith." | | | | are those who fall for the promise of a quick buck or |
| Once in Quiapo (Philippines), two men boarded the | | | | those who are greedy. The gang shows a bunch of |
| bus Captain Fernandez (a police officer who worked | | | | money to attract the victim and makes the switch |
| in Makati, City) was in. The police captain thought | | | | using bundled up papers instead. "They will convince |
| their faces were suspicious, so he became closely | | | | you they'll double your money," says Captain |
| observant and cautious. He was not wrong in his | | | | Fernandez. "But everything is make-believe." |
| hunch as those men later asked for the passengers' | | | | Many says its hypnotism. The gang member utters a |
| jewelry. They didn't get away with it though, as | | | | chant or lets the victim smell something. Psychology |
| Capt. Fernandez got hold of them and turned them | | | | tells us it is mental pushing. So if a stranger stares at |
| over to the precinct. | | | | you - don't stare back, not straight in the eyes. |
| Years of experienced have honed policemen's | | | | Remember the theories about the left and right brain |
| instincts for spotting trouble. The job requires them | | | | functions. |
| to be on the watch for antisocial conduct and to | | | | Hold-ups usually happen in secluded places, and more |
| apprehend the offender as soon as possible. | | | | often during the wee hours. Everyone should be |
| According to Criminologist Don Juanito Flores, each | | | | watchful of the passengers in aircon buses, for |
| person has criminal instincts, so anyone is capable of | | | | example. Do not ever-decorate yourself with jewelry. |
| committing a crime. The instinct can be triggered by | | | | Valuables should be left at home. Beware of those |
| greed, environment, and values, among others. | | | | who come in groups of four to five males. |
| "Some people even consider thievery as a job. Of | | | | Women should wear decent clothes (to avoid rape), |
| course, they search for abundant gain but everybody | | | | and they should avoid passing in dark secluded places. |
| should watch out, especially during payday, because if | | | | Staying in lighted junctions along with others waiting |
| they can get your hard-earned money, why not? | | | | for a ride/someone to fetch them, is advisable than |
| Police Officer Reynaldo Jimenez poses. | | | | staying in dark corners. |
| While working at keeping order and arresting persons | | | | The "Dugo-dugo" gang (dugo means blood) does the |
| who break the law, the expert police officers give us | | | | deed on the phone. They try to get your valuables |
| practical tips on how to spot a criminal. | | | | out of the house by pretending to be a member of |
| The Modus Operandi | | | | your family who is in trouble. |
| Snatcher prefer busy areas, such as commercial | | | | Information should not be given to unidentified callers. |
| centers and bus stops. Their eyes are disturbed, | | | | Maids/helpers must be instructed by employers not |
| waiting for prey. "Others get by picking jewelry," | | | | to entertain nor give details regarding the activities in |
| Fernandez says. | | | | the house. |
| "Snatchers also study the actions of people, so | | | | As for drug addicts, notify your nearing rehabilitation |
| everybody must be vigilant specially during busy | | | | offices. |
| hours.," another police officer adds. | | | | Obviously, the world is full of trickery while it is full of |
| Usually, if the snatchers are caught, they show guilt | | | | knowledge. Being vigilant is a requirement to safety. |
| by being scandalous. "Before the act, many of them | | | | |