In Bogotá, the issue of theft continues to escalate, demonstrating growing concern among residents. Recently, an incident on Sunday, January 21, in the Ciudad Berna neighborhood of Antonio Nariño caused quite a stir. A man was robbed of his belongings by two assailants on a motorcycle, and the event was captured by several security cameras, quickly going viral online due to the unique response of the victim.
As reported, the robbery occurred around 6:30 a.m. It appears the man was heading to work, as indicated by his attire. Upon noticing the motorcycle thieves, he instinctively threw his cellphone at them in an attempt to avoid intimidation. However, the action backfired. The phone was caught in mid-air by one of the criminals, who then proceeded to threaten the victim with what appeared to be a firearm.
The aggressor not only demanded the briefcase the victim was carrying but also took the time to search his pockets, ensuring that he left with all of the man’s belongings. After securing the items, the perpetrators fled through a side street.
As they escaped, they were seen pointing a gun at local residents who witnessed the incident. This was likely done to discourage any attempts to alert the authorities, thus avoiding a police chase.
While law enforcement has yet to comment on this particular robbery, the footage circulating on social media has prompted numerous reactions from the public about the rising insecurity in Bogotá. Many internet users expressed their frustrations, with some sarcastically noting that the city leaders proclaiming safety seem out of touch with the realities faced by citizens.
In a recent survey by Manuela Beltrán University, the sense of insecurity in Bogotá has significantly impacted the daily lives of its residents. Approximately 80% of those surveyed reported feeling unsafe in the capital. Alarmingly, over half of the respondents have changed their routines, with 56% avoiding walking around the city out of fear. Public transportation is also seeing a decline in usage, with 43% of people steering clear of options like Transmilenio and Sitp due to safety concerns.
This prevailing atmosphere of fear is reflected in various aspects of life. About 36% of individuals prefer to avoid ATMs for the possibility of robbery, while 18% have chosen not to dine out at restaurants.
Other daily activities have also been affected: walking pets has decreased by 21%, traveling by road by 16%, and shopping has dropped by 11%.
In light of the ongoing threat, residents have adopted various precautionary measures. Over half have stopped using valuable items in public, a significant portion now keeps their backpacks at the front while on public transport, and some opt to carry minimal cash or banking cards. Interestingly, around a third have taken to hiding money and phones in intimate areas and 10% have acquired a second, less valuable phone to have on hand during a potential mugging.
The voices of the community reflect not only their fear but also their resilience as they navigate the challenges posed by this unsettling environment.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2024/07/22/hombre-en-bogota-se-dio-cuenta-de-que-lo-iban-a-robar-y-prefirio-lanzarles-el-celular-todo-quedo-en-video/
