Having motorcycle riders wear vests with their vehicle license plates printed on them is not a reasonable way to deter criminals on motorcycles, an association of motorcycle assemblers said.
The Quezon City Police District has proposed having motorcycle riders wear vests that will supposedly make it easier for witnesses and police to identify criminals riding in tandem. The measure was meant to address the increasing use of motorcycles in robberies, killings, and other crimes. Wearing a vest is voluntary for now.
But the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association Inc. said in an Interaskyon report that “the wearing of vest with plate number does not appear to be a rational way of identifying riders with criminal intent from those who are simply using their motorcycles for their legitimate daily activities.” The group said criminals will simply “resort to using (a) replica or stolen vest prejudicing safety and security of the rightful owner.”
The vest will also mean extra expenses for motorcycle riders, MDPPA said.
The group comprises Honda Philippines Inc, Kawasaki Motors Philippines Corp, Kymco Philippines Inc, Suzuki Philippines Inc, and Yamaha Motor Philippines.
It said that instead of the vest scheme, the police can organize community crime watch programs with the help of local motorcycle groups. Higher police visibility and the installation of closed-circuit television cameras will also help, the group said.
