DLSU student’s laptop and other valuables stolen in fast food restaurant

According to a report by the Malate Police Station, DLSU student Neil Andrei Duguran (III, MEM-MR) fell victim to theft on May 13 as his backpack, which contained most of his personal belongings and school materials, including a laptop, was stolen by two male suspects dressed as students at Tori Box along Fidel Reyes Street, more commonly known as Agno.

Around noon that day, Duguran was reportedly eating at the fast food restaurant with two friends. A video that made rounds on Facebook showed the two suspects committing the crime from 12:25 to 12:27 pm. Stolen from Duguran were a laptop valued at P40,000, a laptop charger, mobile accessories, clothes, shoes, and school supplies. Duguran says he was lucky to keep his phone, bank cards, driver’s license, and other IDs.

On the Facebook post, Duguran recalled how his belongings were stolen. A first suspect, as shown in closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, sat on a table near them, taking glances at Duguran’s table and appearing to fiddle with his phone. Duguran claimed that the suspect even looked at one of his friends as if to “taunt” him. A second suspect then came in and sat at the same table after a few minutes. The first suspect was shown to gradually steal Duguran’s backpack and passed it on to the second suspect under the table. Shortly after, they began to leave the area with Duguran’s backpack.

Later, Duguran took notice of his missing backpack and began asking the restaurant for any CCTV footage, which the workers were admittedly initially hesitant to provide. The DLSU Security and Safety Office (SSO) helped Duguran obtain a copy of the footage by convincing the restaurant owner. The office also assisted Duguran with filing the police blotter. Since the incident did not occur within the University, the case was handed over to the Malate Police Station.

As of press time, efforts to locate the suspects and recover the valuables are futile, according to the report. However, Duguran shares that the police station will be contacting him if another theft incident, committed by suspects that match those seen in the CCTV footage, occurs.

A previous article published by The LaSallian reported that incidents of theft and robbery are among the most common modi operandi near DLSU. University SSO Director Dionisio Escarez also mentions that theft incidents by groups like the Salisi Gang usually occur near One Archer’s Place, only steps away from Tori Box Agno. According to Escarez, these groups target students who leave their things unattended, particularly in open and well-populated places.

To prevent another theft incident from happening, Duguran advises students to be more alert and observant of the people around them. “Anywhere is not safe. Even though the place is high-end or public like Agno, don’t feel too safe. Never leave your baggage unattended; make sure you see it while you’re eating. If not you could try secretly tying it to yourself,” he says in English and Filipino.

Read more:
On safety and security around DLSU
Robbed blind: The modus operandi along Taft

Watch the full video, courtesy of Neil Duguran.