Abstract

This study evaluated increasing theft incidents in Barangay Tandang Sora, Quezon City, and aimed to develop prevention strategies based on community needs. It examined the effects of theft on community safety, resilience, and trust and assessed whether perceptions differed according to age, sex, civil status, educational attainment, and length of residency. The study used a descriptive quantitative research design. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire administered to 50 purposively selected respondents, comprising 30 residents, 10 police officers, and 10 barangay officials. Purposive sampling was used to include participants who could provide relevant perspectives on theft incidents and community-based prevention. The findings indicated that theft incidents were associated with environmental, social, and economic factors, including poor lighting, unemployment, poverty, and limited police visibility. Respondents reported that these incidents contributed to fear, psychological stress, financial loss, and weakened community cohesion. Despite existing local efforts, tailored and sustainable prevention strategies were perceived as insufficient. The study recommends strengthening barangay-led crime prevention and awareness campaigns, improving street lighting in high-risk areas, installing and maintaining closed-circuit television cameras, and increasing police and barangay tanod visibility through regular patrols. It also recommends stronger coordination between barangay officials and the Philippine National Police, livelihood programs, and youth engagement activities. A collaborative, community-based approach involving residents, barangay officials, and law enforcement is necessary to address the identified causes of theft and strengthen community safety.