A MAN was detained this holiday season after attempting to rob a transient house in Rodriguez, Rizal, in what appeared to be a mode of operation that the Philippine National Police (PNP) dubbed as the “staycation modus.”
After renting a residence in the province, the 45-year-old man engaged in a new modus operandi by renting a house or condominium with the intent of stealing what’s inside.
The caretaker, who went by the name “Jonah,” positively identified the suspect who was detained at the Rodriguez municipal police station.
Jonah narrated that she asked for an identification card from the male suspect and sent it to their employer. The suspect did not want to stay overnight, according to an online group.
“May instruction po kasi ‘yong may-ari ng bahay na palabasin po siya kasi na-check po niya na may mga records po siya ng pagnanakaw,” said Jonah in an interview with TV Patrol.
“Pagpasok po dito, ‘pag open po medyo ayaw niya pong magbukas… Ta’s ‘pag open po pagpasok nila, nakita na po nakatanggal na po lahat ‘yong mga collectibles, money ni kuya, at nakabukas ‘yong lahat ng drawers po,” she continued.
The suspect also attempted to steal a digital camera, liquor, and tools from the transient house. The suspect admitted to the crime and is now being held by Rodriguez police.
Rizal police director Col. Felipe Maraggun said the culprit has duped multiple owners with his “staycation modus.”
“He’s been doing this modus for quite some time already, not only in Rodriguez, kasama na rin sa Quezon City, as far as Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas,” explained Col. Maraggun.
“Nagbu-book siya ng ano for staycation… let’s say overnight or a couple of days, then ‘pag nandoon na siya at mangungulimbat na ng mga ari-arian o importanteng kagamitan sa mga na-book niyang staycation houses,” the police officer added.
The consequences of “staycation modus”
Since this type of modus exploits the trust between tenants and property owners, it would cause anxiety among both property owners and renters, as this type of crime specifically targets temporary lodgings.
Property owners may now be less willing to rent out their facilities while potential renters might be concerned about their safety and the security of their possessions.
Property owners should undertake rigorous background checks on possible renters and install and maintain security systems before allowing their properties to be rented out.
Renters, on the other hand, should only rent from reliable or accredited owners and take the necessary precautions to keep their possessions safe during their stay.
PNP recommends to the public, particularly rental-property owners, to be more vigilant and cautious while admitting guests. Rizal PNP also urges anyone who has been victimized by this modus to file a complaint or to contact them.
