Motorcycle theft syndicate busted

Police busted a motorcycle theft gang with the arrest of a shop owner and his mechanic and the recovery of 13 stolen motorbikes during an entrapment operation in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

The suspects, Arnel Tagay, 30, owner of a motorcycle repair shop at 2174 Vision St., Sta. Cruz and his mechanic, Rodelio Pawid, were collared right after they received P5,000 from police undercover agent, PO2 Ernesto Segismundo.

Superintendent Bayani de la Rea, head of the Regional Intelligence and Special Operations Office (RISOO) said Tagay and Pawid were arrested Thursday following a complaint filed by Ronald Avila, 35, of 82 Pag-asa St., Barangay Burol, Mandaluyong City.

Avila said his motorcycle was stolen while parked at the Lourdes Hospital in Bacood Sta. Mesa, Manila last March 1.

Being a mechanic himself, Avila said he was able to trace his motorcycle to a repair shop in Sta. Cruz.

Avila said he asked the help of the Manila police Station 3 operatives but was told to produce the vehicle’s documents before they could act on his complaint. Avila approached De la Rea who formed a team to conduct an entrapment operation. — Non Alquitran