Police arrested a man with a long history of theft after he was caught with a stolen mobile phone in Barangay South Triangle, authorities said Wednesday.

The suspect, identified by the alias “Francis,” was apprehended by officers from the Kamuning Police Station after a victim reported being robbed near the Quezon Avenue footbridge at approximately 10:35 p.m.

The victim told police she felt someone touch her bag while she was walking and noticed three individuals moving away. She observed one suspect hand an item to another, who placed it in his pocket. When she confronted the group, the suspect denied having her phone.

Patrolling officers noticed the commotion and intervened. While the suspect initially showed the officers one phone he claimed was his, police noticed a second object bulging in his pocket.

“When asked to surrender it, the victim immediately identified it as her stolen phone, leading to the suspect’s prompt arrest,” the Quezon City Police District said in a statement.

Police confiscated two mobile phones, a headset, a balaclava, and a sling bag from the suspect.