Surveillance Video Helps LI Cops Catch Serial House Burglar
ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Police Monday night were crediting surveillance video with helping them catch a burglar who allegedly broke into at least seven Long Island homes.
A police officer recognized Ronald David, 47, from watching surveillance tape taken by an Islip homeowner and arrested him on the street last week, according to officials.
Homeowner Lisa Riggio couldn't believe the images her cameras caught on video as the burglar unsuccessfully tried to break into her home in the middle of the afternoon, WLNY TV 10/55 Long Island Bureau Chief Richard Rose reported.
"The thoughts that went through in my head," Riggio said. "If I was home, would he have still tried to get in and tried to attack me?"
Video showed the alleged burglar casually walking up to Riggio's home and knocking before repeatedly attempting to bash the door in with his shoulder.
Riggio said her door took a battering, but it did not break down.
After failing to get into Riggio's home, David then managed to break into another home six blocks away, according to police.
"I was kind of surprised, because it's a pretty busy block," neighbor Terry Flynn said. "He was so brazen, it's a good thing he got caught."
David has been charged with breaking into at least seven homes since March, police said.
