‘Holiday robbers’ prey on C. de Oro pawnshop

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – A pawnshop here lost about P300,000 in cash, a laptop and assorted jewelry to four men who booked three rooms in an inn last Dec. 28 and from there bored a hole to an adjoining clothing store and then to the establishment.

The Alson Pawnshop and Jewelry store, according to estimates, lost P5 million to P10 million in cash and jewelry, although its owner has yet to declare his losses.

Police said the four men booked three rooms at the ground floor of Dian Inn along Yacapin street under the name of Dennis Faisan, and bored a hole through the wall of a comfort room using acetylene equipment.

They managed to reach the warehouse of the adjoining clothing store and from there, bored another hole to the pawnshop where they managed to open two vaults.

Both establishments were closed for the holidays. The robbery was discovered only on New Year’s Day.

Police said the robbers left all their equipment, except the expensive acetylene blowtorch tube.