NPDO warns pawnshops, business firms vs ‘acetylene gang’ members

MANILA, Oct. 6 (PNA) — The Philippine National Police (PNP)’s Northern Police District Office (NPDO) on Sunday has urged all pawnshops and business establishments to take extra security precautions against roving members of the so-called 'acetylene gang' who are out to victimize the unwary this coming Christmas holidays.

Criminals belonging to acetylene gangs are equipped with huge bolt cutters and acetylene torches which they used to cut open cash boxes and safety deposit vaults.

The NPDO said these criminals’ favorite targets are pawnshops with no 24-hour security coverage.

It added these miscreants like to operate at late a night.

While stating that it will do all it can to detect and neutralize such groups in its areas of jurisdiction, the NPDO urged pawnshops and other business establishments to put up alarm systems which alert nearby police precincts and stations in case whether an intruders attempts to break-in.