Thieves use sewer to break into Q.C. pawnshop

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MANILA, Philippines—Thieves broke into a pawnshop in Quezon City by wading through a stinking sewer that passed right under the establishment.

At least three thieves were involved in the break-in at the Deluxe Pawnshop on Arayat Street  in Cubao, which was discovered by employees Monday morning, police said.

The burglars were able to precisely ascertain the location of the shop’s vault containing jewelry and cash and bored a four-foot shaft leading to it, using an acetylene torch to cut through the vault.

Senior Police Officer 4 Allan dela Cruz of the Quezon City Police District theft and robbery section said the shaft, big enough for a small man, led directly to the sewer.

The burglars went down a manhole in front of the Partas bus terminal on Aurora Boulevard and walked through the 400-meter tunnel, apparently not minding the stench stench, Dela Cruz said.

“We were able to recover six disposable lighters with flashlights inside the tunnel,” Dela Cruz said, adding that the thieves also left behind the torch and two empty acetylene tanks.

Police said the theft must have taken place during the night on Sunday as the pawnshop closed on Sunday afternoon.

Police said two female employees who arrived at 9:15 a.m  Monday noticed the disarray inside the establishment and reported it to their supervisor.

The shop had yet to give an official estimate of the stolen jewelry and cash, Dela Cruz said.