The document discusses measures that can be taken to prevent snatch thefts. It suggests that the public should be more aware of their surroundings, avoid wearing flashy jewelry or carrying large amounts of money, and take care of their belongings. The police should patrol snatch-theft prone areas, put up posters to educate the public, and conduct seminars. It also stresses the importance of public cooperation - the public should help victims and report suspicious people to the police. Working together, the public and police can curb this growing problem.

1. MUET writing
Sample essay 3
Suggest some measures that you think should be taken to prevent snatch thefts. Support your
answer with examples. Give your views in not fewer that 350 words.
Recently, there have been a lot of reports in the newspapers on the rising cases of snatch theft. I
fully agree with the writer’s opinions which were published in your editorial column. In order to
curb this problem, the public and the police should word together.
One of the ways to curb this problem is the public to be more aware of their
surroundings. They should always be on the looked for suspicious-looking characters and make a
report to the police, if necessary. Often, the police rely on public information to make a head
start in solving cases. They must also learn to take better care of themselves. For example, they
should make sure that they have a friend with them they have to walk in a deserted area. As far
as possible, however, they should avoid dark and deserted areas.
One mistake which people make is to wear a lot of jewellery or take along a lot of money
when going out. Flashy jewellery will attract the attention of snatch thieves. In addition, they
should take better care of their belongings. For example, girls or women with handbags need to
ensure that they hold on their handbags properly so that they will not be easily snatched. They
should always walk facing oncoming traffic so that they can see what or who is approaching
them. Women are also advised not carry handbags with long straps as these are easy to snatch.
The public should also cooperate and be more civic minded in helping others. They
should try and help victims of snatch thefts and not just turn a blind eye. In many cases of snatch
thefts, not many people came up to help the victims even though there were cries for help. The
least they could have done was to try to take down the vehicle registration number of the
motorcycle or to help give a description of the perpetrators to the police. If people look out for
and each other, snatch thieves will not have such an easy time.
Last but not least, the police should come up with preventive measures to curb this
problem. They should patrol snatch-theft prone areas such as bus stations and LRT stations. They
should also come up with posters to remind the public to be more careful about snatch thieves.
Aside from this, they can conduct seminars to educate the public on how to avoid becoming
victims of snatch thefts.
All in all, in order to curb this growing problem, it is necessary for the public and the
police to cooperate with each other. By being more responsible for their own safety and working
hand in hand with the police, the public can play a great part in helping to reduce the number of
snatch thefts.