BAGHDAD — Video footage of an armed group robbing a man of his car in broad daylight went viral on social networking sites Nov. 23. The incident happened on Palestine Street in the center of the Iraqi capital, a heavily populated and high traffic area.

The video is just one example of dozens of criminal acts committed on the streets of Iraq on a daily basis, to the extent that they have become part of the daily life of citizens. Since the end of 2014, the people of Baghdad have reported increasing crime, especially cases of citizens being kidnapped or robbed of their belongings or cars on public roads.

It seems these incidents are growing in light of the Iraqi state’s weakness and its lack of control after the Islamic State (IS) took over vast areas in Iraq. The situation has led to crippling fear among the citizens and increasing brazenness by organized crime gangs.

However, the circulation of these stories among Baghdad’s residents has also increased their vigilance and prompted the residents to take precautions. Resident Haider al-Asadi faced an attempted robbery in October, but thanks to some foresight and preparation, he was able to save his car.