Caught on camera: Thief hits Riverdale man’s car four times
Robert Keaton said the suspect has struck repeatedly through winter, spring, summer and now fall.
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A Riverdale father says the same man has broken into his car four times — and tried again Tuesday, according to home security footage and the victim.
Security video shows a man in sweats, slippers and a baseball cap walking up to a car parked in the driveway on Arlington Avenue. Robert Keaton said the suspect has struck repeatedly through winter, spring, summer and now fall.
“I couldn’t believe it. I was like, ‘this can’t be happening,’ ” Keaton said. “But I will say I was relieved because he didn’t get in the car this time.”
Keaton says his car was targeted in February, March, May and September, with the suspect typically striking between 4 and 6 a.m.
The man has taken sunglasses, a laptop and his son’s baseball bag — losses Keaton estimates at about $2,500.
On one occasion, the suspect sat in the car for eight to 10 minutes, rummaged through Keaton’s belongings and ate a protein bar left in the glove compartment. Keaton said he also found what appeared to be a small narcotics bag.
Keaton said he does not believe the door was left unlocked because he forgot. His three sons sometimes run to the car for school items and forget to lock it. After the thefts, Keaton had his dealership set the vehicle to auto-lock.
Police at the 50th Precinct are investigating the incidents as grand larceny and urged drivers not to leave valuables in vehicles and to double check locks.
“I think it’s important that people learn from people like me,” Keaton said. “I messed up. I left the door open. I gave this guy an opportunity, but that still doesn’t justify him coming onto private property to steal.”
