"Shoplifter" arrested at store at Parkmall

CEBU, Philippines - A store supervisor caught yesterday afternoon a man in the act of stealing three pairs of shoes at the Parkmall in barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

Ranjan Basalo, 30, single of Tagum City, Davao del Sur was caught by a store supervisor of the James and Kate Shoe Outlet putting three pairs of shoes into his bag.

Theft and Robbery Section chief P/Insp. Ramil Morpos said shoppers are allowed to bring their things into the store.

He said Basalo had brought a bag with him and after inspecting a few pairs, started to put a pair of Nike shoes, a pair of Ed Hardy shoes, and a pair of Diesel shoes inside his bag. Each pair costs P2,900.

After committing the alleged crime, the supervisor accosted Basalo and called the police.

At the MCPO headquarters, the police found in Basalo’s possession one ampule of the prohibited drug nubain in one of his pockets.

 The police also found out that Basalo has a pending case for shoplifting in Manila.

Morpos has warned malls to be vigilant now that the police have received information that a group of shoplifters from Manila and Davao would descend on Cebu.  (FREEMAN)