Teen arrested after stealing coffee shop tip box in Binondo

• A 19-year-old man was caught on CCTV stealing a tip box with around P12,000 from a coffee shop in Binondo, Manila, and was later arrested by police
• Authorities said the suspect hid in the restroom to empty the box and was seen on camera leaving the scene and riding an e-trike
• The suspect admitted to the theft but claimed he only took P9,000 to P10,000, which he said was used for milk and diapers for his children—not for g@mbling
• Police revealed the suspect is addicted to online g@mbling and had previously been jailed for similar offenses

A 19-year-old man was arrested after stealing a coffee shop’s tip box containing an estimated P12,000 in Binondo, Manila.

The suspect allegedly used the money to fund his online g@mbling habits.

According to a report by Jhomer Apresto on GTV News "Balitanghali," CCTV footage captured the suspect entering the coffee shop along Juan Luna Street on Tuesday night, pretending to be a customer.

He was seen gradually moving the tip box near the counter, briefly leaving, and then returning to steal it.

The theft was discovered by employees as the store was closing. Another CCTV angle showed the suspect exiting the store without the tip box.

Police said he had gone into the restroom to empty the contents into his bag.

Backtracking footage showed the man boarding an e-trike. He was later arrested during a follow-up operation by Meisic Police at Elcano Street.

However, the stolen money was no longer recovered, as he had allegedly spent it on online g@mbling.

“Upon investigation, may mga lugar siya na pinupuntahan dito. ‘Pag may pera siya, doon siya tumatambay at naglalaro ng online game na iyon,” said Police Lt. Col. Richard Villanueva, Station Commander of MPD Station 11.

The suspect admitted to the crime but denied that the amount was P12,000.

“Kung susumahin po lahat-lahat ‘yun nasa mga 9 o 10 lang po ‘yun sir,” he said, claiming the money was used for his children’s milk and diapers.

He has since undergone inquest proceedings and was charged with theft.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a 61-year-old woman died after being run over three times by two SUVs and a sedan at Illinois Street and Aurora Boulevard in Barangay Silangan, Quezon City, on May 17. The victim was initially struck by an SUV, then hit again by a second SUV and a sedan moments later, GMA News showed. QCPD is reviewing CCTV footage and has urged the involved drivers to cooperate with the investigation. The incident has raised public concern over road safety and calls for stricter traffic enforcement in the area.

Still in other news, a 16-year-old girl in Antipolo accused a tricycle driver of forcibly taking her to a hotel instead of bringing her home after work around 3 a.m. The victim said the driver ignored her pleas and sped up when she asked to be let off, "binilisan pa niya lalo 'yung takbo ng tricycle niya, natatakot na po ako nun." At the hotel, CCTV showed the driver holding her arm, and the girl said: *"hihingi po sana ako ng tulong kaso natatakot po ako sa kanya." The hotel cashier refused to let them check in after suspecting something was wrong, prompting the girl to threaten to report the driver, who then fled the scene, according to ABS-CBN.

Source: KAMI.com.gh