Burglars hit four stores in two days

CEBU, Philippines - Over a million pesos in cash were lost to burglars in the past two days as they struck at least four establishments in Cebu City.

At around 6 in the morning last Friday, it was discovered that burglars ransacked a construction firm, a travel agency, and a law firm at the Benley Building, J. De Veyra St. at the North Reclamation area.

Ocular investigation conducted by police showed that the thieves climbed through the terrace of the building’s second floor and forcibly opened each door of the establishments using improvised tools.

JJ & J Construction and General Supply at Room 10 lost P1.2 million which was kept in a vault that the burglars managed to destroy.

The construction firm also lost a laptop worth P60, 000 while Air You Go Travels at Room 8 lost P2,000 in cash and three mobile phones.

Documents of Legario Law Office at Room 9 were still under inventory, although it was initially found out that nothing was stolen from the firm.

Meanwhile, thieves also scoured MSA Academic Advancement in General Maxilom Avenue and stole P110,000 in cash, a CCTV server, and the company’s ATM card.

The burglary was discovered past 7 am yesterday.

Theft and Robbery Section (TRS) chief  William Alicaba said the suspect apparently used a spare key to open the main door since there were no signs of forced entry.

Alicaba, who suspects an inside job on the burglary, said they will invite employees of the review center to report to their office tomorrow for questioning.

“There is possibility of inside job. Basin empleyado ra ‘na didto unya naa’y connivance sa gawas,” said Alicaba in an interview with The Freeman.

The TRS chief said they will dig dipper in their investigation to identify the suspects behind the successive incidents of burglary.

“Naglibog g’yud mi kay prevalent na sad ang burglary, nahunong na man unta ni,” Alicaba said.

He said they will start monitoring on two people whose names were provi-ded by a ‘former’ burglar that the police invited last Friday night for questioning.

At the same time, Alicaba reminded businessmen to properly secure their establishments and as much as possible not leave cash in their offices since even safety vaults can now be destroyed. —  (FREEMAN)