Cops Arrest in Cebu City for Stealing Pickleball Paddles
A man was arrested after allegedly stealing two pickleball paddles from a sports store in Cebu City.
On Monday afternoon, May 25, 2026, a 29-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly stole two pickleball paddles worth P5,180 from an athletic store inside a major shopping mall in Cebu.
According to police authorities, the suspect was caught by the store’s security guard after he allegedly tried to leave the establishment without paying for the sports equipment. The man was immediately stopped and later turned over to the Mabolo Police Station, where he is currently detained while facing possible theft charges.
The incident caught the attention of many people online, especially since pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the Philippines.
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played using a solid paddle and a lightweight plastic ball with small holes. The game can be played by two players in singles or four players in doubles on a court that is smaller than a tennis court.
The goal of the game is simple. Players hit the ball back and forth over a net and try to score points when the opposing side fails to return the ball properly. Many people enjoy pickleball because it is easier to learn compared to tennis and can be played by people of all ages.
In the Philippines, pickleball started around 2016 and continued to grow in 2024 as more courts, clubs, and tournaments appeared in different cities. Many Filipinos became interested in the sport after seeing videos online and trying it themselves at gyms, subdivisions, and sports centers.
Because of its growing popularity, pickleball equipment such as paddles and balls has become more visible in sports stores across the country.
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