Surveillance photo
A surveillance video released by Philadelphia police last week showed how astonishingly quick a crime of opportunity can occur.
It took only a few seconds for a passer-by to swipe an industrial-sized painting machine after a contractor had left it unattended on the sidewalk in front of the Rite Aid at 9280 Krewstown Road in Bustleton. The video shows the machine sitting on the sidewalk next to some large buckets of paint. In the background, a northbound vehicle can be seen stopping suddenly, shifting into reverse and pulling into the parking lot of the Krewstown Shopping Center, opposite from the Rite Aid.
Moments later, the same vehicle, which was described by police as a silver BMW SUV with a sunroof, can be seen approaching in a southbound direction with its tailgate door open. The car stopped in front of the store. The driver exited, walked to the paint machine, hoisted it into the back of his vehicle and sped away without closing the tailgate door.
Police described the thief as white, with a white T-shirt, dark shorts and white sneakers. Visit the Philadelphia Police channel on YouTube.com to view the video. Call 215–686-TIPS or text to PPD TIP to report information. ••
