Caught on Tape: Smash and Grab Couple

Surveillance video captured a pair of crooks who broke into a man's car, stole his wallet and then went on a spending spree, police say

By Vince Lattanzio
|  Friday, Mar 19, 2010  |  Updated 12:08 AM EDT
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Police say a pair of criminals smashed a man's car window and charged more than a thousand dollars in goods on his dime all while he worked out in the gym.

NBC Philadelphia - Jamison Uhler

Police say a pair of criminals smashed a man's car window and charged more than a thousand dollars in goods on his dime all while he worked out in the gym.

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A pair of criminals smashed the window of a man's car while he worked out at a Delaware County gym and then went on a shopping spree at Target on his dime, police say.

The unidentified man had just placed his wallet in the center console of his car and went inside the LA Fitness along Baltimore Pike in Springfield, Pa. Monday night when the pair struck, according to police.

Within minutes a man and woman broke the driver's side window of the man's car and then stole his wallet, police said. They then made a beeline for the Target store next door.

In just 18 minutes, the suspects managed to rack up $1,500 in charges on the man's credit and debit cards.

Surveillance video from inside the store clearly show the male suspect immediately make his way over to the electronics department.

"Immediately buys iPods and an X-Box video game system," Det. Robert Nutley of the Springfield Township Police Department said Wednesday.

Investigators say the man then went to the store's second floor and met up with his accomplice who was waiting to ring out a cartful of items.

In a final blow, the two stop by the snack counter to pickup some breadsticks and popcorn.

"This is definitely not their first time," Det. Nutley said. "They know what they're doing and their quite proficient at it."

So far there aren't any leads in the case, but investigators are hoping the unusually clear surveillance video will yield some leads.

They're also hoping this case serves as a lesson for others about leaving valuables in their cars.

"There's people who prey upon that, they're waiting for you to lock up, going into the gym and they know they have that limited amount of time to do the damage," Det. Nutley said.

Anyone who recognizes the two suspects are asked to call Springfield Township Police at 610.544.5506.

Posted Mar 18, 2010
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