THE Manamko’ Center in Chinatown was burglarized over the weekend, Saipan Office on Aging Executive Director Walter A. Manglona said, adding that the incident has been reported to the Department of Public Safety.
The Saipan Office on Aging was burglarized over the weekend.
“Our gates, lights, cameras, chains, and locks were not enough to deter the thieves,” Manglona said.
“Many of the stolen items were purchased from funds our elders worked really hard to earn. Months of selling King and Queen raffle tickets, making and selling arts and crafts, donating and selling personal items, holding concert events, etc.,” he added.
“We cannot fathom the words to describe how we all feel. The blatant disrespect for our elderly is not one that should be tolerated in our island community.
“We pride ourselves in showing gratitude and respect to our Manamko’. Stealing from them is unacceptable,” Manglona said.
His office is seeking the help of the community in trying to locate some of the stolen items.
“If you see or hear anything that could lead to their whereabouts, please contact DPS directly or call our office at (670) 233-1321,” Manglona said.
The stolen items include:
• Three brush-cutters (Echo Brand)
• One chainsaw
• Two Bluetooth 3ft. Power Speakers (IQ)
• One Rogue acoustic guitar
• Two Yamaha acoustic guitars
• One Fender electric guitar
• One ukulele
• One projector (Epson)
• A toolbox with a set of tools
• Two guitar amplifiers (Fender)
• One Xerox machine
• One 32-inch Smart TV
• One security camera system
• Two 5-gallon fuel containers
• Four iPads
According to Manglona, the list may change because they are still reviewing their inventory.
DPS statement
DPS said on Monday, at around 6:40 a.m., police received a call regarding a burglary and theft incident at the Office on Aging in Chinatown.
At the scene, police met with the caller who stated that he was an employee of the office.
He said when he arrived at the office, he noticed that things were out of place so he called the director who told him to call for police assistance.
When the police arrived they took note of the scattered items throughout the center, DPS said.
This case is under further investigation.
DPS said it would like to remind the public “to be diligent when purchasing or when being offered a flat-screen TV, brush-cutter, Bluetooth speakers, or any item mentioned above from any individual.”
If you have any information about this and other crimes and wish to remain anonymous, call the CNMI Crime Stoppers hotline at 234-7272. Crime Stoppers pays up to $1,000 for any information leading to an arrest. It pays to call.
