A string of motorcycle and tricycle theft over the past three weeks has raised concern among residents and prompted intensified patrols in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, police and barangay officials said.

CCTV footage from Barangay Malabago showed a man walking along the national highway at early morning before entering the parking area of a mini-mart and taking a motorcycle parked there. The suspect was seen dragging the vehicle toward a store nearby, starting the engine minutes later, and speeding away.

Police said they are tracking a suspect believed to be linked to the theft.

“May sinusundan na kaming suspek sa pagnanakaw dito sa may Malabago. Baka sa mga susunod na araw, hindi ko pinapatigilan sa mga imbestigador at intelligence officer na sundan ang suspek,” PLtCol. Perlito Tuayon, chief of the Mangaldan Police Station, said.

Barangay officials said the incidents have alarmed the community, prompting adjustments in patrol schedules. Village watchmen have extended their duty hours to strengthen night monitoring.

“Sa mga tanod lagi namin sinasabing mag-adjust muna, mag extend ng duty kasi para rin ito sa lahat,” Rowenna Fernandez, barangay councilor of Malabago, said.

Police monitoring recorded seven incidents of motorcycle and tricycle theft in the past three weeks. Two of the stolen vehicles have been recovered and returned to their owners, while cases have already been filed against some suspects, authorities said.

“Patuloy pa rin ang investigation solution na ginagawa namin sa mga nawawalang motorsiklo, ganun na rin po sa pakikipagtulungan at koordinasyon sa ating komunidad, sa other agencies sa mga karatig-bayan, talagang nangangalap kami ng ebidensya,” Tuayon said.

Police said they have increased visibility across town.