Lungkab-Screwdriver Modus: A burglary incident at Our Store

At around 8:30am today, two of our male staffs found out that the Glass Door of the store was already opened. It was forced opened, possibly during the wee hours, as a very visible damage in the hole, where the strike bolt (kanang mo gawas sa lock) is inserted. One of the staffs immediately called us about the incident. When we get inside the store, we found out that the burglar left a huge screwdriver in the main table where the cash box is placed. He was able to bring all the cash and possibly looked for other small but expensive stuffs that he can bring as the storage cabinets and stackable boxes were opened. He got our Smart Bro Pocket Wifi, which we use to access the internet in our store, as Globe and PLDT are not capable of adding wires to the building yet because of some minor building issues. The burglar also took our Sun Mobile Phone, which is cheap but contains almost all of the contacts of the reliable entertainers and suppliers. We are not sure about the other stuffs such as the balloons and other items, because we do not have a regular inventory when it comes to our stocks.

About the Modus

We named this Modus Operandi as “Lungkab-Screwdriver” and this is probably not the first time it happened. After a short search about the same burglary incident in the internet, we have not seen anyone writing about it. Therefore, we took the honor of doing this blog so that we can share our experience. The possibility of this crime to happen to another else’s store or home is high as the material being used is readily available almost anywhere. We encourage everyone reading this to share the information so that, unlike us, you and your loved ones can prepare ahead of time against the possible burglary incident, especially if no one is in your stores or homes 24/7.

Because the burglar left an “evidence” to the crime, we found out that he used an Industrial Grade Flat Screwdriver, which probably cost around P200 to P400. It is a huge screwdriver with super strong body and a nice grip. It is old but we can still make use of it.

Using the Flat Screwdriver, the thief forced the part of the aluminum that holds the strike bolt to bend and slice, allowing the strike bolt to be out of its hole. After the door was opened, the stealer went to the reception table and got the money inside the cash box. He was able to search the whole place but our balloons, party supplies and styro standees are probably the last thing on this mind. If this happened to someone else who likes to leave a huge amount of money and expensive stuffs, it will surely be a heart-breaking event.

CCTV

We have a CCTV warning sign, which is very visible from outside the store. Because we only earn a small amount from our Balloon Decoration Packages, Birthday Party Packages, Christening Packages, etc, we are only able to buy the “Dummy” CCTV at CD-R King. It is installed at the reception area to discourage burglars but surprisingly this happened to us.

Because of this incident, we will be forced to add a real CCTV system inside and outside the store premises. Someone told us that at P9,000 to 12,000, we can already have a reliable CCTV system.

Guard on Duty

From 6pm to 6am, there is a Security Guard to check the whole area. We usually open from 8:30am to 6:00pm so we can only see the guard after office hours. There are 3 stores in the building that we are occupying – a Coffee Shop, a Dental Clinic and us. The sad thing about this is that the guard takes care of many things, from helping the customers’ park their cars, monitor the whole building, check the people going in and out of the building, etc. There is a possibility that the guard on duty was asleep during the time the incident happened or it probably happened after his working hours, possibly around 6:30am to 7:30am.

Construction/Building Workers

In the building that we are occupying, there are several staffs and construction workers. Most of them sleep in the open or unoccupied spaces. There is a possibility that one of them is the burglar as (what we heard today) there was also a stealing incident, a few months ago, involving one of them. They are suspects and there is an on-going investigation done by the Police and Security Agency.

Random Thief

The burglar may possibly be a random stealer that comes from another barangay or lives nearby. We really do not know who’s who. We will be coordinating with the owner of the Coffee Shop below us as they have a working CCTV that points to the stairs going to our store. This may give us evidence and it will be used to trace the burglar and put him behind bars.

Stealers are everywhere. We need to be vigilant and prepare ahead of time against the possible dangers. This “Lunkab gamit Destornilyador” is probably an unvarying or habitual method or procedure. If you are going to share this post, you are making your friends and families aware about the issue. Good for us that the stealer only took the following:

1. Smart Bro Pocket Wifi (P4,000) – He left the attached charger & it has a damaged battery. It can only work when the charger is attached and powered. He probably thinks it is a Cell Phone because it looks like one. We got this free from a Laptop promo.

2. A Cherry Mobile Cell Phone (P699) – It is only for texting as it has a damaged battery and speakers

3. Bills in the Cash Box (P1,000) – Used for change (pan-sukli) to early clients. The burglar left the coins.

We have already reported this incident to the nearby Police Station. It was our first time to experience in filing for a blotter. A couple of very helpful police went to our store to check and log the details. They also suggested for a SOCO report but because the items were already moved, fingerprints and other possible evidences might be erroneous. Besides, the SOCO will only investigate for significant situations or, in my opinion, for a fee.

Possible Actions to Take

1. Meeting with teammates about store security and being vigilant
2. Fix glass door and add 2 more locks, possibly hinge locks
3. Lecture the Guard or replace him
4. Replace the Security Agency
5. Get CCTV footage from Coffee Shop
6. Ask for action plans from building owners
7. Ask quotation for Roll-Up/Roll-Down and CCTV system

Warn your friends and loved ones

Now that you are able to know about this Modus, it is time for you to share this. Let them know that using a simple screwdriver easily bends and open their Glass Doors in Aluminum frames. Having a CCTV and roll-up/roll-down is safer. It is expensive but it will surely add to the security of your establishments.

We know this is not the first incident, and for sure, this is not the last. Unlike us, do not let your family take chances – act now, before it is too late. Be proactive in securing all your doors, windows and other openings in your house and stores.

Us, After the incident

This is probably another test of faith. God probably has better plans for us and we continue to believe in Him despite of what happened to us today and some of these recent challenges that makes us better and stronger.

Last year, we also had some challenges as our 1st son’s medical and Lisa’s pregnancy were tested. Even with the adversities we are facing and continue to face in the future, we still believe that this good Lord is giving us this business for a reason. We continue to give tips in decorating a venue, safety issues, etc and we also share our blessings to other people.

We strongly believe that this is just a small test for us and God will surely replace the things that were stolen with much better things. We know we can still sleep soundly at night as we believe He is with us in this venture. We will do our part in securing the establishment but we leave it all to Him during the wee hours – His plans are greater than ours. We trust him with his promise in Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you & not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future”.

This page is last updated on Oct 7, 2015 @ 2:41 pm