Car thieves strike in Quezon City

A businessman lost a pickup truck to armed car thieves in front of a crowded restaurant in Quezon City on Saturday night, according to police reports.

Police Officer 3 Dennis Telen of the Quezon City Police District said that the stolen vehicle was a black 2011 Toyota Hilux with plate number TIW 245.

He identified the owner as Alfredo Caparros, 56, a resident of the city.

Caparros told the police that he and his driver had just had dinner at Ping Ping Restaurant on A. Bonifacio and Mariveles streets in Barangay (village) Paang Bundok and were about to board the vehicle when several armed men approached them and demanded the car keys.

He said that there were several other diners at the restaurant when the car thieves appeared although he did not know if they noticed the commotion.

Caparros said that at gunpoint, he and his driver were told to get into the pickup.

He added that the armed men drove the vehicle around for a few minutes before they made for Caloocan City where he and his driver were told to get out of the pickup.