The total crime volume in Bacolod City decreased by 34.65 percent in March this year, compared to figures in the same month in 2017, statistics released by the Bacolod City Police yesterday showed.

From last year’s 329, only 215 crimes were recorded in March this year, 55 of which were index crimes or crimes against persons and property, and 160 non-index crimes or violations of special laws.

In the third month this year, index crimes decreased by 52.99 percent compared to the same period last year — from 117 to 55 — while non-index crimes dropped by 24.53 percent — from 212 to 160.

The focus crimes — murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles — declined 52.99 percent from 117 in March last year to 55 cases last month.

Senior Supt. Francisco Ebreo, officer-in-charge of the city police, said during a press conference that the Bacolod police continues to implement enhanced police management operations by maximizing the deployment and use of existing personnel and resources.

“We study where and how crimes happen and who commit the crimes,” he added.

Ebreo said the Bacolod police deploys policemen in three shifts for round-the-clock operations, resulting in more personnel assigned to the streets.

Police-initiated operations also increased in March 2018 by 40.82 percent — from 49 last year to 69 this year. (PNA)