SUV Owner Lost Valuables After Falling Victim to ‘Basag-Kotse’ in Sampaloc, Manila
A female SUV owner fell victim to ‘Basag-Kotse’ in Sampaloc, Manila, the suspect learner the modus operandi online.
On early Tuesday morning (August 12, 2025), the woman reportedly lost valuables worth around P40,000 after her parked SUV was broken into. The incident happened along Mangga Avenue and was caught on CCTV.
According to the Sampaloc Police, the 37-year-old owner discovered the damage at around 6 a.m. as she was about to leave for work. The right-side window of her vehicle had been smashed, and her bags, shoes, sunglasses, and other belongings were gone. She immediately sought help from authorities.
Reviewing the CCTV footage, police saw a man wearing a helmet approach the SUV, smash its window using a rock wrapped in cloth, and enter the vehicle. Within minutes, he walked away carrying the stolen items.
Investigators tracked his movements and discovered that he had gone straight to his home using a motorcycle. That same evening, police conducted a follow-up operation and arrested the suspect at a house on Bohol Street, Sampaloc. The stolen items were recovered during the arrest.
“Sinundan natin ‘yung mga dinaanan ng suspek. Na-find out natin, umuwi lang siya sa kanyang tahanan. May gamit siyang motorsiklo sa pag-alis niya,” Sampaloc Police Station Sector 2 Commander PLt. Christopher Ferrer said.
Investigations revealed that the suspect learned the technique from a so-called “life hack” video he had seen on social media. It was his first arrest, and he had no prior criminal record. The suspect admitted to the theft, saying he did it for his child who is in college.
Police reminded the public to take extra care when parking their vehicles, especially outside their homes, and to avoid leaving valuables inside.
The suspect is now detained at the Sampaloc Police Custodial Facility and faces charges of theft.
In a previous report, Barbie Forteza victim of basag kotse gang, here’s what happened
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
