Getaway caught on camera | News

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT)- A Richmond thief's getaway is caught on camera and his close-up is video you saw only on NBC12, Monday night. Surveillance cameras caught the bold burglar, who broke the window of a private student residence building on Canal Street near VCU.

The crook stole large pile of expensive textbooks and a laptop computer, of which the price tag is estimated in the thousands. He could end up with felony charges.

You may not be able to make out the alleged thief's sticky fingers in the video, but you can certainly see his face as he gets away with the goods from student housing at 8 1/2 Canal Street.

"If I knew him I definitely would have recognized him," resident Kelsie McDaniels said.

Those who live in the relatively new building were surprised at the news of a break-in on a busy Saturday night. Richmond Police believe the burglar struck on April 21st between 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., when students are coming in and out.

"That's just crazy that it's a break-in here," McDaniels told us.

The camera, which captured the footage, is at most people's eye level to get a pretty good image of the face. It's also in an area with decent lighting.

Investigators believe the suspect often visits the Coliseum Lofts on West Broad Street.   They're hoping someone who lives there sees our story.

"What the surveillance video shows us as well is how he moves, how he carries himself, how he walks by the camera," explained Gene Lepley with Richmond Police. "These might be keys, clues that somebody might say 'I know who he is.'"

Students are betting the thief will try to sell the stolen goods because of their estimated worth.  Police warn "big brother" is watching.

"In a way we're really never off camera," Lepley said. "Somebody is watching from one of these surveillance positions."

If you recognize the suspect, call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

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