A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey reveals a significant uptick in crime victimization and public fear of insecurity across the country.
The survey, conducted from September 14 to 23, 2024, found that 6.1% of families reported being victims of common crimes such as theft, break-ins, carnapping, and physical violence in the past six months. This marks a 2.3-point increase from June 2024’s 3.8%, and is the highest level since the 8.1% posted in September 2023.
Notably, cybercrime victimization also surged, reaching a record-high 7.2%, up from 3.7% in June. These figures reflect growing concerns about digital security alongside traditional crime.
The survey also highlighted persistent fears about safety in neighborhoods. Some 56% of Filipino adults expressed fear of burglary, a slight increase from 55% in June, with Metro Manila residents reporting the highest levels of concern (68%). Additionally, 48% of respondents nationwide feared walking in the streets at night, a figure that remained largely unchanged from the previous quarter.
Property crime victimization saw a rise, with 5.5% of families reporting incidents like pickpocketing, burglary, or carnapping, compared to 3.5% in June. Street robberies, in particular, rose sharply, affecting 4.0% of families, up from 1.9% in June. Break-ins also increased in many areas, except Mindanao, where such incidents fell.
Physical violence, though still low, also showed slight increases in several regions, including Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao. Meanwhile, incidents of car theft or carnapping remained steady in most areas, with notable rises in Metro Manila and the Visayas.
The survey’s findings underscore the public’s growing anxiety over both traditional and online crimes. The SWS has been tracking these trends since 1989, with cybercrime being a recent addition to its scope.
This quarterly survey was based on face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults nationwide and carries a margin of error of ±2.8% for national estimates, the SWS said.