Man Steals Security Cam & Gets "Caught On Tape"

**Orangeman** · September 21st, 2004, 01:02 PM

Meet the new leader in the 'world's dumbest thief' contest

It shouldn't be too hard to catch this thief.

He didn't exactly try to avoid the lens as he removed two security cameras from outside an espresso stand last month in unincorporated Pierce County. His eyes were wide open and he showed off his teeth as he met the camera's gaze.

Pierce County sheriff's deputies released surveillance images of the man Monday in hopes someone will recognize him and turn him in for the theft, said spokesman Ed Troyer.

Investigators believe the man rode up to Cafe Elite, an espresso stand in the 22200 block of Mountain Highway East, on a mountain bike about 5 a.m. Aug. 16.

The thief used a crowbar to pry off the two recently installed domed security cameras on either side of the espresso stand. He took the $1,200 cameras and rode away without breaking into the stand.

What the thief might not have realized was the entire crime was caught on tape.

"The equipment is on the inside and was recording this as it was going on," Troyer said. "We've got video of him with the crowbar and stealing the cameras."

Other Pierce County businesses have reported thefts of their surveillance cameras. Investigators are looking into whether the thief could be connected to the other incidents.

"You can't help but laugh at somebody who would do something like that," Troyer said. "It's not as bad as writing a bank robbery note on your own deposit slip but it's pretty darn close."

Where to call if you know this guy?

Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to arrest and charges in the theft of two security cameras from a Pierce County espresso stand. Callers remain anonymous. Call 253-591-5959.

Did anyone mention "Money" in the transaction>>>>?

**Ya_know** · September 21st, 2004, 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by Orangeman

There has to be a mistake...this can't be real...he's almost smiling for the camera!!!

!

**Stalemate** · September 21st, 2004, 01:11 PM

"Please have me arrested."

**geeksRus** · September 21st, 2004, 01:40 PM

cameras are everywhere now...in every store...and it never ceases to amaze me that someone duznt know that. how many times have we seen video of robberies where the idiots have nothing covering their faces. how can humans be that stoopid?

**Stalemate** · September 21st, 2004, 01:54 PM

Chicago is adding 250 such cameras.

"Cameras are the equivalent of hundreds of sets of eyes," Mr. Daley said when he unveiled the new project this month. "They're the next best thing to having police officers stationed at every potential trouble spot"...

Sophisticated new computer programs will immediately alert the police whenever anyone viewed by any of the cameras placed at buildings and other structures considered terrorist targets wanders aimlessly in circles, lingers outside a public building, pulls a car onto the shoulder of a highway, or leaves a package and walks away from it. Images of those people will be highlighted in color at the city's central monitoring station, allowing dispatchers to send police officers to the scene immediately.

Officials here designed the system after studying the video surveillance network in London, which became a world leader in this technology during the period when Irish terrorists were active. The Chicago officials also studied systems used in Las Vegas casinos, as well as those used by Army combat units. The system they have devised, they say, will be the most sophisticated in the United States and perhaps the world. "What we're doing is a totally new concept," said Ron Huberman, executive director of the city's office of emergency management and communications. "