Senior steals from senior: 62-year-old elderly pickpocket arrested in P80K jeepney theft

• A 62-year-old man was arrested in Manila for allegedly pickpocketing P80,000 from a 79-year-old fellow senior citizen while both were riding a jeepney

• Police utilized CCTV footage to trace the suspect's movements from Taft Avenue to Lawton, leading to his apprehension the following day at a mall in Quiapo

• The arrested individual admitted to the theft, citing personal hardship, and authorities revealed he had a previous record for similar offenses, with only P40,500 of the stolen cash recovered

• The suspect faces formal charges of theft and concealing of a deadly weapon, highlighting the ongoing efforts of the Manila Police District to combat street crime

Authorities in Manila have apprehended a 62-year-old man accused of pickpocketing P80,000 in cash from a 79-year-old fellow senior citizen while they were both passengers on a jeepney.

The incident, which unfolded last Friday, highlights the vulnerability of commuters, particularly the elderly, to street crime in urban public transportation.

CCTV footage obtained by investigators captured the suspect, dressed in a white t-shirt, boarding a jeepney along Taft Avenue in Manila.

The video reportedly showed the man disembarking abruptly at Lawton, appearing to be in a hurry as he swiftly crossed the street.

It was only upon reaching the Carriedo area and alighting the jeepney that the 79-year-old victim realized his substantial sum of money was missing.

According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Alfonso Saligumba III, station commander of the Manila Police District Station 5, the victim did not immediately notice the theft.

It was a vigilant fellow passenger who reportedly alerted the elderly man to his loss and assisted him in reporting the incident to the police.

Law enforcement swiftly responded, proceeding to the area of the incident and utilizing CCTV backtracking to trace the suspect’s movements.

The intensive follow-up operation led to the suspect's arrest the following day at a mall in Quiapo. While the original amount reported stolen was P80,000, authorities managed to recover only P40,500 from the suspect during his apprehension.

Curiously, a sock, which reportedly served as the victim’s makeshift wallet, and a balisong (butterfly knife) were also recovered from the suspect’s possession.

Upon questioning, the arrested individual admitted to the theft. He cited dire personal circumstances as his motivation, claiming he had been evicted by his wife and was experiencing severe hunger.

He also stated that he used part of the stolen money to buy drinks for his friends and send remittances to his children in the province.

Despite the initial report, the suspect maintained that he only managed to take P70,000 from the victim, spending over P29,000. He expressed remorse for his actions.

Police further revealed that the 62-year-old suspect is not a first-time offender and had been previously incarcerated for similar theft cases.

This history suggests a pattern of criminal behavior, raising concerns about recidivism, even among the elderly.

The suspect is currently under the custody of the Ermita Police Station and has undergone inquest proceedings.

He faces formal charges of theft and concealing of a deadly weapon in connection with the incident.

The Manila Police District continues to urge commuters, especially senior citizens, to remain vigilant while using public transportation and to secure their valuables to prevent falling victim to pickpocketing and other forms of street crime.

The case serves as a poignant reminder of the economic hardships that can drive individuals to desperate measures, even as it underscores the importance of upholding law and order.

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.

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Source: KAMI.com.gh