'Bukas-kotse' modus in Bulacan caught on CCTV

CCTV cameras outside a house in Sta. Maria, Bulacan caught a man's failed attempt to open an SUV in the middle of the night through a window he pried open using an unknown tool.

As seen in a report by Emil Sumangil on "24 Oras" on Friday, the man successfully broke the lock of a sliding door by the back of the SUV.

He was able to get his hand in but was unable to reach the handle of the SUV's middle door before a pedestrian walked past the van.

Alarmed, the suspect — revealed by Sta. Maria police as a notorious "bukas kotse" perpetrator — immediately withdrew his hand, walked away from the SUV, and covered his face with a hat and sunglasses.

Rochelle Jardin, the owner of the SUV, said police told her there was a big chance of locating the suspect as his face was caught on camera.

Car accessories shop owner Rino Uy explained that a quarter panel or sliding window is the first area targeted by criminals due to the ease of prying it open.

Because there is currently no accessory available to upgrade the security of quarter panel locks, Uy advised van owners to conceal their valuables in the car and to park in a well-lit place.

"Lahat ng gamit mo sa loob ng auto, takpan mo ng black blanket para hindi na makita or 'wag ka nang maglagay ng gamit dun para mas safe," he said. "Kung may makikita kang mas maliwanag na parking area, dun mo na ilagay." —Rie Takumi/JST, GMA News