As if it were a career, the “knowledge” to become a window breaker is passed from the more veteran offenders to the youngest ones.
That criminal legacy, shared as if it were an inheritance from generation to generation, is what allows them to continue a criminal activity that has been causing havoc in places crowded with drivers for almost 10 years.
Hatillo, the vicinity of the Water Monument (La Uruca) and the environs of La Galera in Curridabat are the 3 main sites where they have recently operated.
There are particular events, such as arrests. For example, a few years ago we arrested 12 people and the crime rate dropped to zero for 3 months. However, there is a multiplier effect when one offender teaches another how to do this,”
said Marco Carrión, chief of the OIJ assault department.
After being trained, a younger window breaker quickly learns the criminal tools that allow them to go out into the streets to commit misdeeds, after studying who has cell phones, tablets or briefcases in their vehicles.
To flee the scene, the criminals run out or board a vehicle that drives in the opposite direction. Most victims are women who usually carry bags or briefcases.
The most vulnerable hours for stalking criminals are rush hours: from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. To commit robberies, the suspects use spark plugs or small stones.
The OIJ investigates a group located in Hatillo, which would be behind most of the crimes committed in recent months. Those who make up these groups are young people between 17 and 23 years old.
There are other ways that drivers can fall prey to criminals. A clear example occurred in the vicinity of the citadel Rositer Carballo, in La Uruca, where suspects placed chairs, boards or nails in the road to ambush the drivers.
Top Tips to avoid window breakers:
– Avoid driving in vulnerable areas during vulnerable hours.
– Do not carry bags in visible places.
– Do not carry objects of high purchase value.
– Prevent occupants, especially children, from using tablets.
– If you are a victim of a crime, do not tamper with the vehicle until authorities arrive.
– Do not resist.
In 2016, the OIJ received 134 complaints for this type of crimes. Of that amount, 78 occurred in Hatillo and 12 in La Uruca.