A 21-year-old suspect was apprehended in San Vicente, Ilocos Sur, after stealing a bicycle and attempting to sell it online. The owner, confident due to CCTV surveillance, noticed his stolen bike being advertised for sale and orchestrated a plan with the police.
According to a GMA News Online report, the suspect snatched the bicycle when the owner briefly left it unattended. Unaware of the theft, the owner later discovered the bike listed for ₱8,000 online. Coordinating with authorities, he arranged to meet the seller, posing as a buyer to ensnare the thief.
“I went to the meeting place as per the agreement with my aunt and the seller, and confirmed if it was my dad’s bike,” stated the owner’s son.
Upon receiving the supposed payment, the suspect was promptly arrested. Despite claiming to have purchased the bicycle, authorities cited clear CCTV evidence implicating him in the theft.
“Clear evidence suggests he’s the one who took it; his offense would be greater if he claimed to have bought it because he stole it,” remarked PCPT. Pedro Halover, Officer-in-Charge of San Vicente Police Station.
The suspect now faces charges of theft following his arrest.