CCTV leads to arrest of suspect in Rizal convenience store robbery

• A man has been apprehended in Rodriguez, Rizal, for allegedly breaking into a local convenience store and stealing over P5,000 worth of cigarettes and chocolates

• The alleged thief gained entry by breaching the store's ceiling, and CCTV footage played a vital role in identifying and tracking the suspect, leading to his arrest

• Despite the suspect's denial, police confirmed he has previous complaints for theft lodged at the barangay level, indicating a history of similar alleged offenses

• The apprehended individual is now formally facing charges of robbery, with authorities having recovered some of the stolen merchandise

A man has been apprehended in Rodriguez, Rizal, following an alleged break-in at a local convenience store where over P5,000 worth of cigarettes and chocolates were reportedly stolen.

The arrest, made in Barangay San Isidro, highlights the effective use of surveillance technology and community intelligence in crime resolution.

The incident is believed to have occurred in the early hours of Thursday, July 10, when the convenience store was already closed.

According to reports from Rodriguez Police Chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Paul Sabulao, the perpetrator gained entry by breaching the store's ceiling.

Employees discovered the theft upon opening the establishment, finding merchandise scattered and valuable items missing.

Investigators quickly turned to the store's CCTV system to identify the culprit. Footage reportedly showed the suspect initially appearing to browse the store, seemingly casing the premises, before the break-in.

This detailed video evidence proved crucial in tracking the individual. Police then conducted a process of "backtracking" through other available surveillance footage in the vicinity and, with the aid of a key witness, were able to identify the suspect.

A follow-up operation led authorities to the 21-year-old suspect's residence, also located in Barangay San Isidro, where he was successfully apprehended.

While some of the stolen cigarettes and chocolates were recovered during the arrest, police noted that a portion of the merchandise was already missing, suggesting they had been sold.

It was further alleged that the suspect had attempted to offload the stolen goods at another nearby store.

Upon his arrest, the suspect explicitly denied involvement in the robbery. He was quoted stating, "That's not true.

I will only speak in court. Nothing was found on me." However, police officials contradicted this denial, revealing that the suspect has previous complaints for theft lodged against him at the barangay level, indicating a pattern of similar alleged offenses.

The suspect is now formally facing charges of robbery and is currently detained at the custodial facility of the Rodriguez Municipal Police Station.

The incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by local businesses in safeguarding their properties against break-ins, particularly during off-hours.

Convenience stores, with their accessible nature and valuable, easily movable goods, are often targets for such opportunistic crimes.

The quick resolution of this case by the Rodriguez Police emphasizes the growing reliance on advanced surveillance systems and the invaluable role of public cooperation in modern crime fighting.

It also serves as a reminder to businesses to continually review and upgrade their security measures to deter and prevent such occurrences.

Authorities remain committed to pursuing all leads to ensure that justice is served for businesses affected by such criminal acts.

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, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, two individuals have been arrested in Rodriguez, Rizal, for allegedly stealing a service firearm from a 52-year-old security guard at a gadget store. The theft reportedly occurred after the security guard left his firearm unattended at his post, a practice he allegedly maintained due to not having a permit to carry it outside his immediate duty area. Police identified the suspects through CCTV footage and confirmed their identities with a village official who recognized them from prior theft complaints, leading to their apprehension and the recovery of the weapon. Beyond the criminal charges against the suspects, the security guard may also face disciplinary action from his employer for allegedly abandoning his firearm and leaving his designated post.

Still in other news a Cessna 172 training plane with tail number RPC 2211 crashed in an agricultural area in Iba, Zambales on Friday morning. Four people were injured: flight instructor Capt. Jacques Robert Papio and student pilots Angelo Josh Quinsayas, Kisses Nunez Althea, and Jericho Bernardo Palma. According to P/Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, the plane was owned by Skyaero Trade and was on a routine training flight. CAAP Director General Raul Del Rosario ordered an investigation through the CAAP Aircraft Accident Investigation Board.

Source: KAMI.com.gh