Shoe Burglar's All Tied Up
Thousands of stolen men's shoes recovered from man's house
By VINCE LATTANZIO
Updated 11:45 PM EDT, Fri, Jan 29, 2010
No longer will you have to keep your shoes under lock and key -- the infamous Shoe Burglar has been captured.
Walter J. Rubincan, 46, of Newark, Del. was arrested Friday for allegedly stealing thousands of shoes from Newark residents.
Rubincan has hit 25 homes over the past five years, police say. Nine of those burglaries happened in the past three months, but authorities believe he's been stealing shoes for the last 20 years.
In each case, the suspect broke into a home and swiped only men's shoes. At times, he also took photos with men in them as well as fraternity composite portraits, musical instruments and sports equipment.
Roommates Jeff Quinton and Aaron Yamamoto both were victims of Rubincan's alleged thefts. They say the whole ordeal has been strange, but they're glad someone has been caught.
"[Rubincan's] obviously somebody that has some sort of an issue or like a fetish or something like that," said Aaron Yamamoto.
"I don't really know if I want my shoes back," said "It's a little weird, but I'm glad to see that something's come of it," said Jeff Quinton.
Investigators say they were able to find Rubincan thanks to his inconspicuous yellow Mitsubishi Eclipse. The car was spotted by witnesses at several of the robbery scenes.
In all, investigators confiscated 150 boxes full of varying types men's shoes -- sneakers to sandals, loafers to work boots -- from Rubincan's home. All of the stolen goods filled three flatbed trucks, police say.
"It's definitely strange," said Lt. Brian Henry. "He's not doing it for economic benefit. He derived no monetary value from these sneakers, he kept all of them for his own personal joy."
Hundreds of shoes picked up along the Big Elk Creek in Elkton, Md. last week also belong in Rubincan's stash, police say.
Rubincan's been charged with 25 counts of 2nd degree burglary, 77 counts of theft and 15 counts of criminal mischief. He is being held on $138,000 cash bail.
First Published: Jan 29, 2010 10:53 PM EDT
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