HOUSTON COMPUTER THIEF CAUGHT ON VIDEO ROBBING COMPUTERS FROM STERLING BANK TWICEClick2Houston.com - News - Police Catch On To Bank Robber's RoutinePolice Catch On To Bank Robber's Routine
Crime Stoppers Offer $5,000 Reward For Computer Thief

POSTED: 12:47 p.m. CDT May 5, 2004

A robber, who strikes in the middle of the night and steals computers, has hit the same northwest Houston bank twice, Houston police said at a Crime Stoppers news conference Wednesday.

Bank's Surveillance Camera Catches Computer Thief In Action

Police said the suspected thief struck the Sterling Bank, located in the 2500 block of the North Loop West, on Jan. 26 and Feb. 5, and that he may be responsible for two other burglaries around town.

"This is a quick smash-and-grab deal. He knows where the computers are, and wants to make quick money" Houston Police Department officer Jerry Melton said.

The bank's security camera caught both of the break-ins on tape, providing police and Houstonians with a picture of a man they believe broke into the bank and stole several computers during the two robberies.

"On Jan. 26, that same night, 21 minutes later, he hit the (Junior Achievement building on) Tacoma," Crime Stoppers spokesman Ray Wathen said. "He is a very consistent individual. He breaks the same window, goes in and does a quick snatch-and-grab, stealing computers, and is out the door before law enforcement officials arrive."

The Junior Achievement building also reported stolen computers, according to Crime Stoppers.

Officials described the thief as an African-American man between 20 and 30 years old, about 5 feet 11 inches tall and around 175 pounds. He has also been seen wearing a black or blue ball cap.

Police said they hope somebody recognizes the ball cap in the surveillance video picture because they believe that is key to finding the robber.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man in this case.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS with any information. All callers remain anonymous.

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