A 22-year-old man is now facing theft charges after being accused of stealing coins from a computer shop in Cebu City. The incident, which occurred on January 2, 2026, led to his arrest following a police follow-up operation.
CCTV Footage Leads to Arrest
The crime was uncovered when the shop's caretaker reviewed the establishment's CCTV camera recordings. The footage clearly showed the alleged act of theft, prompting the owner to immediately report the incident to the authorities. Based on this evidence, personnel from the Inayawan Police Station conducted a follow-up operation that resulted in the apprehension of the suspect.
The individual was identified as alias "Ryan," a 22-year-old unemployed resident of Barangay Bulacao, Cebu City. The total value of the stolen coins was estimated to be around P2,000. Unfortunately, the police reported that the money has not been recovered.
Suspect Denies Allegations, Claims Past Reform
During the investigation, the suspect strongly denied the accusations against him. Ryan presented an alternative story, claiming that a child had used the computer before him and suggesting that the minor could have been the one who took the money.
In a surprising admission, Ryan acknowledged that he was known as a thief in the past. However, he insisted that he had long abandoned his criminal ways because he wanted to change his life for the better.
Formal Charges Filed Despite Denial
Despite his protests, the evidence against him was considered substantial. The case moved forward based on the CCTV evidence and the formal complaint filed by the computer shop owner. Consequently, alias Ryan was formally charged with Theft.
This case highlights the crucial role of surveillance technology in modern crime resolution and serves as a reminder of the legal consequences that follow such acts, even when the stolen amount may seem relatively small.
