Unique Apartment Break-in Technique

According to the Post, a robber has used an age-old tool for a new cause: Chiseling his way to rob apartments.

Scott Morello, who was convicted of manslaughter in 1989, is accused of "chiseling through hallway walls and doors" into Manhattan homes. In fact, a police report from an incident at a Lexington Avenue building states a woman "looked through a peephole ...and saw a man cutting a hole in her door." Morella also allegedly "smashed a hole in an apartment wall on West 14th Street, squeezed through, and stole a computer."

Previously, robbers have posed as deliverymen, construction workers, cops, utility workers, even interested apartment buyers, to gain access for looting. They also focus on open doors and rooftops and penthouse apartments.

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

By Jen Chung in News on June 4, 2008 8:43 AM

Comments [rss]

Spirit of 76

headline makes no sense. if it's an age-old method, as the first line says, it isn't a novel technique.

I don't see what you're referring to. Jen mentions a unique technique and an age-old tool, not a novel or an age-old method. This is why I'm glad I have a solid core steel door with both a deadbolt and a lever lockset, both rated ANSI commercial grade 1. And an alarm. Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they won't try to rob me.

robingee

Convicted of manslaughter! But he went to jail and he's an Okay Joe now! Right? Oh...

PBRK

You'd be surprised at how many people focus on just the lock and not the whole structure. Criminals and the people installing security alike.

RevWaldo

Yep, that's pretty much how robbers broke into my old apartment. Turns out a deadbolt lock on a hollow core wooden door ain't exactly bulletproof security. (Thanks Mr. Landlord!) They just chiseled around the lock. Luckily I was dirt poor at the time and barely had anything worth stealing.