Thief Caught Stealing Pretends to Be Polite After Being Confronted
A man caught on CCTV stealing from a small store in Barangay Daang Bakal, Mandaluyong City, surprised residents after he tried to act politely when confronted by the elderly owner.
The incident occurred on the morning of Saturday, November 15, 2025. The victim, Raynalda Serdoncillo, said she had fallen asleep when the thief entered her store.
She woke up to see the man sitting inside, pretending to perform a traditional hand gesture as if asking for a blessing. Shocked, she shouted at him, and he quickly ran out of the store.
CCTV footage showed the thief taking the victim’s cellphone and tucking it into his pants, then almost taking the cash box containing more than ten thousand pesos. He returned briefly to grab the cash box but ran away when someone arrived at the store.
The victim said she wished the man had simply asked for help if he really needed it instead of stealing, and she thanked God that nothing happened to her during the incident.
The video also showed the suspect leaving with an accomplice. Witnesses said the man walked calmly, stepping over a piece of wood outside the store. The accomplice, wearing brown, acted as a lookout while the main suspect carried out the theft, according to Jingle Serdoncillo, Raynalda’s child.
The family quickly reported the incident to the barangay and the police. Investigations showed that the suspect was a known thief living in Barangay Addition Hills.
Barangay councilor Angelo Barreto said they acted quickly with the police and local officials to find the suspect, but he was not home at the time. A warrant has now been issued, ensuring he will be caught.
Meanwhile, authorities have increased security in the area. Executive Officer Avelino Santos said patrols are ongoing 24/7 throughout the barangay.