Baguio motorists advised: Park in secured areas

BAGUIO CITY — Police here on Tuesday dismissed social media claims that security cameras near City Hall were non-functional during a recent vehicle break-in, asserting that the system is fully operational and has already provided leads.

The clarification follows a 27 December incident where a vehicle parked near City Hall was robbed between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Thieves reportedly smashed a window to steal a camera and various accessories.

Following the theft, the vehicle owner claimed on social media that authorities told them the closed-circuit television cameras were turned off at the time.

The post drew significant criticism from netizens, with some questioning Baguio’s “Smart City” status and its reputation as one of the country’s wealthiest local government units.

Maj. Marcy Grace Marron, spokesperson for the Baguio City Police Office, refuted those claims, stating the cameras were active and were used to identify a person of interest in the case.

Marron urged the public to be cautious of unverified information posted online. She noted that the incident is the first recorded car break-in in the city during this holiday season.

Police advised motorists and tourists to use only designated parking areas and to choose well-lit locations covered by surveillance to prevent similar crimes.