Coin thieves strike laundromats

Two laundromats on Saipan were the latest victims of theft incidents, one of which resulted in drug-related charges against the perpetrator, according to the Department of Public Safety.

Assistant chief of police and acting public information officer Simon T. Manacop said the first incident occurred at White Laundry on Dr. Torres Drive, Chalan Kanoa. The theft was reported on the morning of Aug. 24, 2024.

According to DPS, at approximately 10:48am, a male individual, later identified as Vinny Untalan, approached the laundrymat attendant asking to use the telephone. As the attendant stepped away from the counter to tend to the dryers, the suspect took the opportunity to steal a bag containing $10.50 in quarters.

Surveillance footage confirmed Untalan as the culprit, and he was located about 40 minutes later near the Subway restaurant in Chalan Piao. During his arrest, a search of his belongings revealed drug paraphernalia and a substance that tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine. Consequently, Untalan faces charges for both theft and illegal possession of a controlled substance.

In a separate and more substantial theft, Fresh Laundry in San Vicente fell victim to a coin machine heist in the early hours of Aug. 28, 2024. Manacop said that the theft was discovered by staff at 8:21am when they noticed the machine, valued at $1,000 and containing approximately $2,000 in coins and bills, was missing.

He shared that when officers reviewed the establishment’s surveillance footage, it showed a red Kia sedan, bearing a CNMI license plate “ACE-666,” arriving at the laundromat at around 3:18am. After initially surveying the area, the vehicle returned at 3:25am, and an individual was seen dragging the coin machine into the car before fleeing the scene.

“These cases remain under investigation,” said Manacop. “DPS seeks the community’s assistance in putting closure to this…”

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the DPS Criminal Investigation Bureau at (670) 664-9042, DPS headquarters at (670) 664-9001 or the Crime Stoppers Hotline at (670) 234-7272 if they wish to remain anonymous. DPS also encourages the public to call the emergency line “911” to report a crime or emergency.