Tunneling thieves seeking cash get extra loot: shotguns

They emerged not only richer but also armed.

Tunneling thieves broke into a money changer shop at Araneta Center, Quezon City, and carted away P800,000 in cash early Tuesday morning.

The Emerald Money Changer shop, owned by Ranie Carlos and located at Opulent Building on Gen. Roxas Avenue corner Edsa, also reported the loss of three shotguns kept at the establishment.

Shop employee Rowena Agbuya discovered the break-in around 10 a.m. Tuesday, when she arrived for work and noticed a hole on the floor, according to Supt. Ronnie Montejo, commander of the Quezon City Police District’s Cubao station.

The police found two hydraulic jacks inside the shop, which were apparently left behind by the suspects.

The burglars destroyed the vault and made off with P800,000 in cash, Montejo said.

It was not immediately clear where the thieves started digging the tunnel to get inside.

Opulent Building normally has five security guards during the day and four at night, but those on duty starting Monday night till early Tuesday claimed that they noticed nothing unusual in or around the building, Montejo said.—Julie M. Aurelio