Using Surveillance Footage, YouTube to Catch a Thief

The owner of a Papa John's in Norwalk, CT uploaded footage of a delivery car being robbed of a GPS system and an iPod to Youtube, hoping the community would be able to help identify the thief.

Co-owner John Koch explained that after he told customers and employees about the robbery--which took place in the parking lot (a man seems to case the parking lot and then grab the items from an unlocked Toyota RAV4)--many asked to see the video. Thus, Koch felt it was a natural for the Internet, "I've seen so many crazy things on YouTube, it falls right into the category - unusual." Here's the description posted by delivery man Zahir Uddin on Youtube:

Hi, I'm a delivery driver for Papa Johns Pizza in Norwalk, CT. Friday, April 18th, 2008 the person in red stole my TomTom GPS unit and my Apple iPod from my black SUV. I worked very hard for those items, and would like whomever stole them to return them. My manager is offering a REWARD (FREE PIZZA FOR A WEEK) for the safe return of the GPS unit & iPod. No questions asked. Thank you for everyone's help.

Uddin said, "It's pretty bad. I lost $800, $900. Of course, I don't make that much money, so it's very hard for me."

The police told the Stamford Advocate if the Youtube video helps, great but the department "won't offer pizza, [but] we will give this individual a personalized arrest warrant."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung on April 23, 2008 3:32 AM

Comments [rss]

kane

I feel for the guy who lost his stuff, but his windows are down and the car is unlocked. I wouldn't even leave that expensive equipment in sight if the car were locked. Put them in the glove compartment or under the seat where no one can see them.

Seizure

I like the guy in the Red VW Jetta just kind of watching the whole thing. I thought it was the gettaway car until the Gorilla strutter ran past him.

montag007

people who don't live in NYC don't know how to use car locks.

its very strange as most cars have them installed @ the factory and you get a little key chain that will activate them from a distance... i guess thats too much work, the delivery guy should be happy the car didn't walk off as well!

bklynd

There was a much better story recently of some sports car enthusiasts on a particular forum tracking down and catching a car thief.

amsci

If you "worked very hard for these items," and they cost a lot of money.... wouldn't you either take them with you when you got out of the car, hide them in the glove box or at LEAST lock your damn car door?

It takes a lot less effort to lock your door in the first place than it does to cobble together a youtube video.