Policemen in Carmen, Bohol continue to investigate the burglary of a multipurpose cooperative in Barangay Poblacion of said town which resulted in the stealing of P227,000, said a police official.

According to Chief Insp. Rully Lauron, Carmen police chief, they have not yet identified a suspect in the burglary but noted that the crime is likely to have been an inside job.

Lauron said that it was unlikely that someone not connected with the cooperative would have been privy to the large amount kept inside the office during that time.

The police chief noted that the Carmen Samahang Nayon Multipurpose Cooperative was unable to deposit the amount on Friday last week as the supposed depositor did not reach the bank on time.

Based on initial investigation, the suspect broke in through the office’s backdoor and forcibly opened the money’s metal case using a saw.

Despite the nearness of the cooperative to the municipal hall and police station, there were no reported witnesses when the break-in took place.

Police said that the incident happened in the wee hours of Monday while Tropical Depression Auring brought rains in the area.

The incident has sparked complaints from members of the cooperative particularly those who have contributed large amounts to group’s fund.

Most of the cooperative’s members are small business owners in the Carmen public market. (Allen Doydora)