L.I. Man Captures Car Burglar On Camera
NEW YORK (CBS 2) -- Nassau County police are warning residents about brazen burglars breaking into parked cars and stealing valuables in the county's South Shore communities.
One of the victims told CBS 2's Jennifer McLogan about how he caught the thief on his video camera and posted it for all the world to see.
Harry Lozada and his wife just had a new baby. But in the hubbub of returning from the hospital, he left his truck unlocked on their Massapequa Park driveway.
"The baby was home no more than four days when this happened and I go out in the morning and my center console is open. And for someone who just got robbed, I was pretty happy," Lozada said.
Lozada had removed his valuables and remembered to activate cameras they had installed -- which police confirm -- caught the crook in the act. Lozada then posted the video on YouTube.
"So I knew I had him and the idea was to get this out there, get this person exposed. There were other cars that were burglarized," Lozada said.
Earlier this year, Lozada's wife was among the first victims. Her car was ransacked in their driveway and that's what prompted them to spend money on home security cameras.
"If you look at the video, it looks like there is a cigarette in his mouth. It's not a cigarette, it's actually a pen flashlight," Lazado said.
Police said the thief acts like a pro and warned that the Lozadas were not alone. Eight vehicles have been hit -- brazenly close to homeowners' front doors -- since August in the Massapequa Park area.
"Like [the] video shows, this car was in this individual's driveway. Someone went into his unlocked vehicle, went into the center console and stole cash. So regardless of whether it's in your driveway or in front of your house, take any valuables out of the vehicle," Nassau County Det. Sgt. Anthony Repalone said.
The Lozada's said police responded promptly and stepped up patrols and they are now urging other homeowners to setup camera and keep their vehicles locked.
Nassau Police say the thieves appear to be well dressed in an attempt to blend into the community. GPS units, handbags, computers and cash are among the items reported stolen.
