Man pretends to be homeless, steals from family in Marikina

A man who pretended to be homeless allegedly stole cash, gadgets, and power tools from the family who took him in and gave him a job and a place to stay in Marikina.

According to Mark Salazar's report on "24 Oras," pretending to be homeless was the suspect's way of gaining trust before stealing from those who would take him in.

Police arrested him in Cubao four months after he was caught on CCTV stealing the family's stuff one by one, worth 150,000 pesos, which includes seven cellphones, a laptop, power tools, and P10,000 cash.

Ken Reyes, the victim, positively identified the suspect. 

“Nagpakita siya ng ID na pintor siya, parang company ID, so kinuha ni papa para magtrabaho dito,” said Ken. 

(He showed an ID that he was a painter, what appeared to be a company ID, so Dad took him to work here.) 

He said they did not think that their kindness would be repaid by theft.

“Biruin mo nakatira ka sa kalsada pinatuloy mo dito binigyan mo ng bahay trabaho pagkain kahit alak nga, boss, gin naman dyan. Bibilhan mo pa ng gin tapos bigla kang titirahin ng ganun,” Ken said.

(Imagine trusting someone and giving them a home, food, and even liquor, and yet he was able to betray us.)

“Eto ay isang notorious na magnanakaw at ang front niya ay scavenger sa Cubao,” said District Mobile Force Batallion Police Captain.  

(This is a notorious thief and his front is a scavenger in Cubao.) 

The investigation revealed that the suspect also stole a family in Pasig. However, the family did not file a complaint. —Sherylin Untalan/NB, GMA Integrated News