Stupid Burglars

[Silent Commit]

Burglars' note to self: Don't leave video evidence behind

Suspects videotaped themselves on a stolen camera, then left it for deputies to find.Howie Padilla, Star Tribune

 

Another week, another St. Paul movie premiere. But this time, instead of Garrison Keillor, Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher played host.

The stars in this show were three unidentified young males -- burglary-ring suspects thought to be involved in at least six east metro capers.

 

"I'm sure they'll be eligible for the 'Dumbest Crooks in America' video someday," Fletcher said.

 

Police were seeking four suspects, and they had caught three juveniles by Thursday night.

 

A sheriff's deputy came across the tape in a stolen video camera that was recovered from a stolen car early Sunday morning in Vadnais Heights after a car chase and crash.

 

The driver and a passenger fled on foot, eluding the deputy. But in the vehicle, one of two stolen last month in Maplewood, the deputy found a trove from the burglaries.

 

It included the video camera, a cell phone, an iPod, a shotgun and other items stolen last week.

 

"If we've caught them with property from six burglaries, they've probably done 60," Fletcher said.

 

In addition to the three people seen in the video, investigators believed there was a fourth person running the camera. They believe that person is among the three caught.

 

Although there have been no reports of anyone being injured, Fletcher called the group dangerous because at least once, at a home in St. Paul's Highland Park neighborhood, the suspects broke into a house while people were at home.

 

"Few burglars will go into a home that's occupied," Fletcher said. "They know the risks of getting caught and the potential."

 

In the video, the suspects are seen at a basketball court, playing video games and trying to rap. The images are priceless to investigators, Fletcher said.

 

"Without this piece of evidence, this crime would not be solved," he said.

 

Authorities were looking for a stolen red Dodge Intrepid with Minnesota license plate LUS 835. Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to call 651-484-3366.

 

 

Howie Padilla • 651-298-1551

 

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