Exclusive: Car Hopping Burglar Caught On Camera

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A car hopping burglar was caught on camera breaking into cars in South Miami. Now police have asked for the public's help catching him.

South Miami police Chief Rene Landa, who spoke exclusively to CBS4, said one of the things which makes this guy unique is that he capitalizes on something residents and visitors are not doing - locking their vehicles.

"This is the second time it's happened at my home and it is disturbing," said Tanya Villanueva-Tepper.

Surveillance cameras captured the man ransacking her two vehicles around 2 a.m. on October 27th after he opened their unlocked doors.

"I'm a little sad. You can tell this person is definitely homeless. He is probably on drugs or emaciated," said Villanueva-Tepper.                            She told CBS4's Peter D'Oench, "It's a bit of a violation. It certainly is but you have to have compassion for this person. I think we have to be aware of keeping out doors locked."

Landa said unlike other criminals they've seen in the city working in packs, this car hopper works alone.

"They come up and look inside the car and make sure nobody's around. They check the handle and make sure the car is open," said Landa.

Landa believes this guy has done this before.

"In that video you seen him at the car with a flashlight. It's a little above and beyond as he has his own property and he is looking inside," said Landa.

Villanueva-Tepper said her vehicles may have been burglarized but he didn't get away with much.

"I never keep anything of value in my car and if you do I recommend that you take it out," said Villanueva-Tepper.

Landa said never leaving valuables in a vehicle is a good idea and there are some other things you can do to avoid becoming the victim of a crime.

"Try to park your car in a lighted area. These crimes occur between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Obviously make sure to lock your car as these guys often operate in large groups and try not to break windows," said Landa. "Never leave valuable items, no change, no GPS. And watch out, even leaving a GPS suction cup on the window shows that you have GPS."

Villanueva-Tepper said in some respects she feels sorry for the guy and understands he may be doing it just to survive.

"I think also this a reflection of our society because a lot of people are struggling right now and they need help and are responsible for these crimes to keep them going," she said.

She hopes, however, that he's caught.

"If you see him and know him call police," said Villanueva-Tepper.

Landa said car hopping crimes have skyrocketed in the past four years. What concerns him the most is the spike in firearms that have been stolen during these burglaries.

South Miami police hope to catch the car hopper caught on camera before he strikes again. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.