Burglar Breaks Into One Candy Store Twice In An Hour

The candy store in question (Google).

And this week in dumb criminal tricks we present you with the story of 40-year-old Gus Bougas of Queens. Bougas was arrested yesterday on the East Side near the Queensboro Bridge after being caught inside of a candy store he had just robbed a half-hour before. Maybe he forgot his wallet?

The absurdity started around 4:30 a.m. when surveillance video shows Bougas "breaking an outer gate and then the door of Sutton Place Cards & Gifts" on First Avenue and 58th. Within minutes police estimate he had picked up $12,000 in "cigarettes, cash and Metro and Lottery cards" before safely hitting the road. And he would have gotten away with it too...if he hadn't come back a half-hour later for some unknown reason. A neighbor spotted him the second time, called the cops, and Bougas was promptly arrested and charged with burglary.

And if the story weren't odd enough as is, according to store manager Haji Dhankwala the alleged perp was a regular at the store. "He was well dressed. He'd always buy some Lottery tickets, some soda."

So, any guesses as to why Bougas went back?

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

By Garth Johnston in News on May 11, 2011 10:36 AM

Comments [rss]

brendawalsh

the candy store in the picture is on 1st ave & 58th not 85th st. It was taped off yesterday and there were cops in front of the place pictured above at 10am

Guest

ahhhhh..... still, it's the most bodega-looking candy store i've ever seen in my entire life.

jarret kerr

I wouldn't shop there with a stolen dick.

brendawalsh

i'd say it's a straight-up newsstand. i walk past it every morning. i look at the magazines as i pass while i maneuver around the newspapers on the rack in front, trying not to step on little dogs walked by older ladies.

Guest

...makes me think...

DID HE ACTUALLY READ THE SIGN ON THE AWNING AND ASKED FOR THOSE EXACT ITEMS???

robingee

Totally Bougas, dude.

k3ll3s

Not so unusual, I sometimes go to the store and find I forgot an item. Next time he should make a list
Things I Should Remember To Steal:
Cash
Cigarettes
Metro Cards
Lottery Cards
Beer
Store Safe