Burglar Uses Newspaper To Thwart Security Cam
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - An enterprising burglar used a newspaper to conceal his identity when he hit a home on Miami Beach. But the wise guy, police say, may not have been as wise as he thought.
On Wednesday, around 10:30 a.m., a security camera in the doorbell of a home in the 600 block of W 51st Street captured the man, dressed in dark clothes and a cap, walk up the pathway with a newspaper in front of his face.
He then covered the camera with the newspaper as he yelled to a possible accomplice who parks in front of the home in a 4-door Nissan Altima with tinted windows, according to police.
The burglar then disabled and removed the camera in the door. He then went and pried open a side door which opened up onto a laundry room which has access to the rest of the house.
Once inside, he made his way to the master bedroom and stole more than $11,000 worth of watches, bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
Miami Beach Police said in reviewing the security camera's video, they found the same guy cased the home and approached the front door the day before.
"The subject was canvassing the area the day before, and you see him clear as day on the video where he notices the camera, and turns and walks away," said Miami Beach Officer Ernesto Rodriguez. The earlier video is high-definition quality that clearly shows the man in a ball cap, sunglasses and jeans.
Folks in the neighborhood said they would like to see a cop car on the street a bit more often.
"I think there really needs to be more police presence," said Jamie Laufer who lives in the area. "I think there's certainly an opportunity here that the area could be patrolled more."
Miami Beach Police believe they missed the newspaper bandit and his getaway driver buddy in the Altima by moments on Wednesday, when a neighbor called to report suspicious activity at the house next door.
Anyone with information that could help police catch the pair is asked to call Miami Beach Police or Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
