INNOVATIVE STRATIGIES IN PREVENTING THEFT INCIDENTS IN BARANGAY PAYATAS, QUEZON CITY

Abstract

This study investigates innovative strategies for preventing theft in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City, with emphasis on the application of Article 308 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), which defines theft as the unlawful taking of another’s property. Theft remains a widespread and persistent crime, frequently occurring in residential areas, public streets, commercial establishments, and other communal spaces. It presents a serious challenge to law enforcement and poses a significant threat to public safety, highlighting the urgent need for more effective and forward-thinking prevention strategies. Theft is defined as the deliberate and unlawful taking of another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the rightful owner of it. At its core, theft involves the unauthorized acquisition of someone else’s belongings. This study primarily aimed to identify innovative strategies for preventing theft incidents in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City. It sought to address specific questions concerning the demographic profile of respondents, their evaluations of community-based, digital, and individual theft prevention strategies, the challenges encountered in implementing these strategies, and the measures they proposed to enhance theft prevention efforts in the area. The study involved a total of 50 respondents from Barangay Payatas, consisting of 10 barangay officials, 10 police personnel, and 30 residents, all selected through purposive sampling. Utilizing a descriptive research design, the researchers administered questionnaires following formal approval, ensuring that all data were collected with confidentiality. The results indicated that the most effective community-based strategy was the implementation of awareness programs promoting police-community collaboration, which received the highest mean rating of 3.7. In terms of digital strategies, the installation of additional surveillance cameras was rated highest, with a mean score of 3.68. For individual strategies, securing doors and entry points before leaving home was considered the most effective, with a mean rating of 3.52. These findings underscore practical and targeted approaches that can enhance theft prevention efforts within the community. Police in Barangay Payatas should actively monitor surveillance systems and increase patrols, particularly in less populated or high-risk areas, to ensure a swift response to theft incidents. Barangay officials are encouraged to implement online awareness campaigns and adopt smart patrol strategies to enhance community safety. Residents should be equipped with practical theft prevention tips to promote personal vigilance. Future researchers are encouraged to collaborate with both community members and local authorities to ensure that their studies remain relevant, impactful, and aligned with the specific needs of the barangay.