‘Huli ka’: 7 crime videos that went viral

MANILA, Philippines – Videos and voyeurism go hand in hand, and while the Internet does teem with amateur sex scandals and horrible, horrible singing, there are more noble reasons to upload stuff on YouTube. Caught-in-the-act crime videos – via phone cams or CCTV – have become a great way to caution netizens about certain modus operandi, as we call criminal “standard operating procedures” here.

Below are 7 examples of how on-cam monitoring can be a force for good. (Oh, and one thing in common with most of these videos: the crime happens ridiculously fast, so keep your eyes open!)

1. Snatcher at España

Jeepneys’ long windows aren’t just for ventilation; they’re also a way for thieves to pluck your valuables away. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re sitting in between people you trust. It’s best to watch your back, too.

2. McDonald’s Dau Salisi Gang

Fast-food places are perfect for thieves: they’re crowded and noisy, and you’re usually distracted with your meal. This particular thief was really cutting it close; one wrong move and the victim would’ve felt her bag brushing her arm. Still, just a little distraction is enough for the crime to work.

3. Netopia Internet Café Hold-up

This video is a shocking example of how crimes can happen in plain sight. A man with a gun strides into the café, jostles some men, and takes off with the money while the customers continue playing online games obliviously. It’s amazing how long it takes for any of them to realize something bad had just happened.

4. Quezon Avenue Laglag Barya Gang

Being a Good Samaritan can have its downside. Here, you can see how simple distraction tactics such as dropping change for you to pick up is enough for thieves to do their deed. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t help others in need, but just make sure your valuables are within sight.

5. Peeping Tom ‘Policeman’

Naughty, naughty! A man in a fake police uniform not only shirks paying for the bus ride, but takes cell phone videos of a sleeping woman in another seat. Fortunately, another voyeur gets involved, getting this footage of the peeping tom.

6. East Rembo Ambulance Accident

In this utter and horrific moment of irony caught on CCTV, this footage shows how an ambulance speeding toward the hospital collides with a jeepney trying to beat a red light. Worse, the jeepney is a major smoke belcher.

7. Armed Robbery at ICare Pharmacy

It takes a little while for something in this video to happen, but when it does, it gets pretty upsetting to watch. You can tell that the gunman is nervous as he pretends to buy something. Store staff can take note of such behavior just in case.

And as a bonus, here’s a Facebook page called “Para Kang Gago Mag-Park,” which is dedicated to posting pictures of people who do terrible (and often illegal) parking jobs. – Rappler.com