The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday reported a slight decline in theft incidents nationwide but urged the public to remain vigilant.

Data from the first six weeks of 2026 recorded 1,488 theft cases, down from 1,532 during the same period in 2025 — a decrease of 44 cases or 2.87 percent.

While the numbers reflect modest progress, PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized that sustained vigilance remains crucial.

“Magandang senyales ang pagbaba ng kaso, ngunit mahalaga pa rin na maging maingat. Ang theft, ay nangyayari sa loob lamang ng ilang segundo kapag may pagkakataon,” Nartatez said. “Kaya’t ang lagi nating paalala, huwag maging kampante. Ibayong pag-iingat pa rin ang pinakamabisang panangga laban sa krimen,” he added.

Nartatez noted that the improvement forms part of a broader downward trend in focus crimes. In 2025, overall focus crimes declined by 12.40 percent compared to 2024, while theft cases dropped 4.31 percent year-on-year.

He attributed the gains to intensified police visibility, data-driven deployment and stronger community partnerships, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to sustain peace and order nationwide.

The PNP chief said many theft incidents result from simple oversights, such as unattended belongings or unsecured homes.

He urged the public to practice basic safety measures, including locking doors and windows, keeping valuables out of sight, staying alert in crowded areas and reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through Unified 911.

“Bantayan ang paligid. Kapag may napansing kahina-hinala, agad ito i-report. Sa tulong ng bawat isa, mas napapalakas natin ang seguridad ng ating komunidad,” Nartatez said.

The reminders form part of the PNP Focused Agenda implemented through Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which aims to strengthen proactive policing.

Despite the decline, the PNP stressed that crime prevention remains a shared responsibility between law enforcement and the public.

“We are encouraged by the improvement in crime rates, and we will continue to maintain police presence through regular barangay patrols, rapid response teams, and community anti-theft initiatives,” Nartatez said.