A man was caught on closed circuit television (CCTV) stealing gasoline from a tricycle parked in Barangay Bonuan Gueset, Dagupan City.

The footage showed the man sitting beside the tricycle around 4 a.m., appearing to tamper with something. It turns out he was already siphoning fuel.

Robert Generao, who was sleeping at the time, woke up to the sound of a noisy engine and stepped outside to check.

“Nakita ko ‘yung tricycle ng pamangkin ko na may gumagalaw, ‘yun pala tao. Kumukuha na pala siya ng gas ng motor,” he said.

He shone a flashlight at the man's face, and the two struggled briefly before the thief managed to escape.

“Pagkabitaw ko sa kanya, tumakbo na,” Generao added.

According to him, two other men were with the suspect, and they also fled the scene.

Barangay officials said this isn’t the first time a “paihi” incident has happened in the area. It had been quiet for some time, but thieves have returned.

“Paiigtingin namin pag-iikot ng gabi. Tapos i-tap namin ERT at PNP,” Barangay Chairman Manuel Bumanglag said.

He said the suspects may have come from another barangay and reminded residents to stay alert.

“Bantayan maigi mga sasakyan natin. Hindi puwedeng iwan lang kung saan-saan,” Bumanglag added.

Barangay watchmen have been ordered to double their night patrols to prevent more thefts.