Man caught stealing in gyms, fitness centers

MANILA, Philippines - Police arrested Monday a man accused by several hotels, gyms and fitness centers of stealing from their guests and clients.

Anthony Cortez, 41, was arrested by agents of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) in front of a fitness center in Adriatico, Manila at about 10 a.m. Monday.

Officials of the fitness center identified Cortez, a resident of PYE building in Ermita, as the man who allegedly stole from their clients on several occasions.

Chief Inspector Rene de Jesus, of the NCRPO’s regional intelligence division, said Cortez was caught by surveillance cameras stealing cell phones and other valuables from hotel guests and fitness centers and gyms.

According to De Jesus, Cortez applies for membership at fitness centers, then steals from their members. Some guests and clients claimed Cortez managed to illegally use their stolen credit cards and ATM cards.

The NCRPO is set to file charges against Cortez before the Manila prosecutor’s office today. “We expect him (Cortez) to post bail so we are warning the public against these modus operandi so they could not be victimized by him,” De Jesus said, and appealed to hotels and fitness centers to tighten their security to prevent future theft cases.        – Non Alquitran