A lone suspect pulled off back-to-back thefts in one day that targeted unsuspecting students in the University Belt in Manila.
The incidents, which happened on Thursday at two popular fast-food restaurants, were caught on security camera.
In the first incident, the suspect, a woman dressed in casual clothes with face mask on, was seen taking two bags left unattended by a group of students who were busy paying their bill at the counter.
She left in a hurry, carrying the stolen bags containing a laptop, a tablet and other personal belongings.
In an another incident caught on video, she casually grabbed a bag left at the table by two students as they got their food at the claim counter of an adjacent fast-food branch.
Probers are gathering additional CCTV footage to identify the suspect as part of the ongoing investigation.
The police said the absence of security personnel at the fast-food restaurants that could have prevented the crime.
“Wala po silang security guards na magsisilbi sanang deterrent sa would be criminals po,” said PMaj. Herminio Olivares, the precinct commander in the University Belt area.
(They didn’t have security guards who could deter would-be criminals.)
Alarmed by the consecutive thefts, the village chief in the area said he would ask the two fast-food restaurants to enhance security.
“Susulatan natin itong mga establishment natin na maglagay ng gwardya umaga at gabi,” said Barangay Chairman Ernan Tejuco. —NB, GMA Integrated News
