Thieves Break Steal P30 Million Worth of Jewelry & P1 Million Cash
Several thieves managed to break into some stores at a mall in Ungka, Pavia, Iloilo, and steal millions worth of cash and jewelry.
Authorities said the total value of the stolen items reached more than P30 million in jewelry and close to P1 million in cash.
The incident happened in the early hours of Wednesday, December 17, inside GT Town Center. Reports showed that a pawnshop and jewelry store lost more than P30 million worth of jewelry along with around P280,000 in cash.
A nearby money changer was also targeted, losing about P580,000 in cash. According to the Pavia Municipal Police Station, at least three suspects were involved in the crime.
CCTV footage showed them entering the mall at around 3:10 in the morning.
Investigators believe the suspects carefully planned their move and took advantage of hidden areas inside the building.
Based on the investigation, the suspects entered through a drainage system and crawled through a narrow passage that led to another drainage area near a massage center inside the mall.
They then broke through cement beneath the tiles, possibly using a jack or similar tool, to create an opening.
The suspects damaged the ceiling of the massage center to reach the pawnshop and jewelry store. After taking the jewelry and cash, they returned to the massage center and forced open a door to get out. From there, they moved toward the money changer located under the mall’s escalator.
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The suspects reportedly broke the lock of the money changer and managed to access the vault where the cash was kept. After taking the money, they escaped before anyone noticed what had happened.
Police are continuing their investigation and reviewing CCTV footage to identify the suspects. The incident has raised concerns about mall security and reminded business owners and the public to stay alert.
Authorities are now working closely with mall management to prevent similar incidents in the future.