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http://www.philstar.com/metro/2012/12/08/882909/us-embassy-warns-citizens-holidays-%E2%80%98prime-time%E2%80%99-thieves

US embassy warns citizens: Holidays �prime time� for thieves

MANILA, Philippines - The holiday season in the Philippines is �prime time� for thieves and pickpockets who prey on foreigners, whom they perceive to be affluent, the United States embassy said in its holiday security reminder.

The embassy reminded Americans to remain vigilant and maintain an appropriate level of personal security.

�As we approach the holiday season, which is prime time for pickpockets and thieves, there remains a high level of criminal activity in the Manila metropolitan area. The embassy wishes to remind US citizens in the Philippines that while you may become a victim simply because you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, foreigners may also be targeted because they are perceived to be affluent,� the embassy said.

The embassy offered suggestions to help reduce their citizens� chances of becoming a victim.

Americans should neither display lavish amounts of jewelry nor carry around large amounts of money, the reminder stated. �A good rule of thumb: Don�t take more with you than you can afford to lose,� it said, adding that they should keep money in the front pocket of their pants or skirt.

The embassy reminded Americans to always carry some type of identification.

It also warned US citizens that pickpocket gangs �often appear to be homeless and begin by demanding money. They will sometimes aggressively follow the victims until they eventually swarm around them and begin to surreptitiously grab personal items from the victims, such as wallets and cell phones.�

Americans were also reminded to be aware that public transportation like jeepneys, Light Rail Transit and the Metro Rail Transit systems are prime venues for pickpockets.

The embassy also told Americans to drive with the windows rolled up and the doors locked, use a supplemental anti-theft device that locks either the steering wheel or the gearshift and not to park in deserted or isolated areas.

The embassy also reminded US citizens to secure their homes against burglars and be alert for suspicious objects or packages.
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In a related story.............

http://www.philstar.com/metro/2012/12/08/882905/cabbie-nabbed-naia-2-theft

Cabbie nabbed at NAIA-2 for theft

MANILA, Philippines - A taxi driver was arrested near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 (NAIA-2) yesterday for allegedly speeding away with a couple�s belongings.

Airport Police Intelligence and Investigation Division (PIID) chief Alden Gay said Michael Estolada is allegedly a member of the Kuatong robbery gang operating at the airport�s four terminals.

Gay said Estolada reportedly ran away with the belongings of Australian Michael Collin Robert and his Filipina fianc�e, Delia Ybanes, who flew in from Bangkok yesterday.

Robert said he was happy that Estolada was caught and their possessions returned to them. It was Ybanes� birthday yesterday and they were about to be wed in Boracay Island next week, he said.

In his affidavit, Robert said they boarded Estolada�s taxi at the NAIA-2 departure area and asked the driver to bring them to NAIA-3 to catch their flight to Boracay.

Robert said he was shocked when he reportedly charged them $100 for the trip. He said when he protested, the driver told them to get out of the taxi. The driver then sped away, with their belongings � passports, return tickets to Australia, P12,000 and about A$1,000 in their bags � in the taxi�s trunk.

Robert said they were able to take note of the taxi�s plate number. They reported the incident to the airport police officers, who arrested Estolada near NAIA-2.