Burglars hit resto, store during holidays

CEBU, Philippines - Over P300,000 worth of cash and valuables have been stolen by still unknown culprits who broke into two business establishments in Cebu City during the holidays.

The management of a restaurant in Barangay Kasambagan reported the alleged burglary to the Mabolo Police Station on Thursday. Eduardo Pantino, manager of the Chocolate Chamber Restaurant, claimed that several expensive gadgets and cash have been missing.

Among the items stolen were Macbook Pro laptop worth P55,000; two Dell unit laptops worth P35,000 each; a Canon EOS camera worth P55,000; iPad worth P55,000; Rado wristwatch worth P40,000, and cash amounting to P34,000.

Police investigation shows that the culprits possibly used a wire or improvised key to open the padlock at the main door of the restaurant. The main door did not show any sign of damage indicating there was no forcible entry.

Investigators are now trying to trace and get a copy of the footage from the closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera to help them identify the culprits.

Meanwhile, an electronic store in Barangay T. Padilla also lost at least P30,000 worth of electronic materials to unknown burglars.

Floren Uy, owner of the DYM Trading, personally asked assistance from the Parian Police Station after discovering that some of his electronic materials and cash have been missing.

Police investigation revealed that the burglar destroyed the padlock in the main door to gain entry into the establishment.

Senior Inspector Rolito Supatan, chief of the Theft and Robbery Section, earlier reminded business establishments to ensure that CCTV cameras are installed in their area to discourage criminal elements and help investigators in the event that crimes are committed within its premises.  (FREEMAN)