Motorcycle Stolen During Test Drive and Sold in Manila
TONDO, MANILA – A man posing as a potential buyer stole a motorcycle during a test drive and subsequently sold it for P55, 000.
According to the Manila Police District (MPD, the suspect approached the motorbike owner under the guise of a buyer interested in purchasing the vehicle in Tondo, Manila. Before taking the motorcycle for a test drive, the man was caught on CCTV inspecting various parts of the bike.
The owner allowed the test drive, especially since the suspect left behind an accomplice, who was revealed to be a habal-habal driver.
“Pinaniwala niya na kamag-anak o tatay niya. Kaya nung tinest drive niya ‘yung motorsiklo, pumayag itong biktima na magpagamit at hindi na ito bumalik,” Manila Police District spokesperson PMaj. Philipp Ines.
When the suspect did not return, the owner reported the incident to the police. The Manila District Anti-Carnapping Unit (DACU) immediately began its investigation. The authorities reviewed the CCTV footage and conducted backtracking operations.
The police force traced the suspect’s movements and discovered that the stolen motorbike had been transported away from the area.
The police received information that the motorbike had been sold for P55,000. PMaj. Ines explained that the suspect’s plan was to sell the motorbike quickly, possibly to another unsuspecting buyer.
“Mababa talaga ‘yung pagkakabenta sa kanya at ang balak niya rin dito ay pasa-bili, ibebenta niya rin sa iba. Ang kanyang claim ay nasa possession niya ito, hindi man siya ‘yung kumuha pero siya ‘yung nakabili ng nakaw,” said Ines.
The buyer, who refused to provide a statement, will face charges under the Anti-Fencing Law, which penalizes individuals who purchase stolen property. The police are also preparing to file charges against the original thief under the Anti-Carnapping Law.
PMaj. Ines issued a warning to the public about purchasing secondhand items, emphasizing the importance of diligence to avoid inadvertently buying stolen items.
“‘Yung mga kababayan natin na bumibili ng secondhand, palagi tayo maging metikuloso dyan katulad sa pangyayaring ito. Hindi natin pwedeng katwiran dito na good faith tayo o wala tayong alam na ito’y nakaw,” he said.
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The police have identified the man responsible for the theft and are in the process of filing the appropriate charges.
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