Manila, Feb. 18 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday reported a slight decline in theft cases this year and urged the public to remain vigilant.

Data from the first six weeks of 2026 show 1,488 theft cases nationwide, down 44 cases or 2.87 percent from 1,532 in the same period in 2025.

"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 (The decrease in cases is a good sign, but it is still important to be careful. Theft happens in just a few seconds when the opportunity arises)," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

He said many incidents result from simple oversights, such as unattende...