P2M theft: Household helper arrested

The Quezon City police arrested a 45-year-old household helper on Thursday over the alleged theft of jewelry, luxury watches and foreign currencies worth about P2 million from a residence in Barangay Pasong Tamo.

The Quezon City Police District said the 33-year-old victim arrived home at about 9 p.m. and was told by the helper that someone had called, claiming she had been involved in an accident.

The caller allegedly instructed the helper to gather the victim’s valuables to pay for the supposed accident, according to police.

The victim later found that the padlock on her third-floor cabinet had been broken and her cash box forcibly opened. Several valuables were missing.

When confronted, the helper allegedly admitted handing the items to another person who had instructed her by phone.

The victim reported the incident to the Holy Spirit Police Station, leading to the helper’s arrest.

The missing items included €400, £1,000, a Rolex, Omega Seamaster, Tissot, Longines, Philip Stein and Oris watches, two Charriol bracelets, jewelry and a pendant containing ashes. The items have not been recovered.

Police estimated the total value of the missing property at P2,007,000.

The suspect is set to face a qualified theft charge under Article 310 of the Revised Penal Code. The case will be referred to the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office for appropriate proceedings.