Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- Syracuse Police have arrested the suspect accused of stealing watches from a Lord and Taylor last week.
After our story aired, police say they received a tip leading to the suspect's identity.
The suspect has been identified as Anthony Distefano.
Distefano has been charged with grand larceny.
Syracuse Police looking for watch shoplifter Caught on Tape
January 24, 2012
Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - Syracuse Police are giving people a chance to stop a crime that drives up the costs everyone pays at stores: shoplifting.
A suspected shoplifter has been caught on camera striking one store at Carousel Mall on several occasions.
Police believe the suspect has stolen at least ten watches valued at $2,350 since October at Lord & Taylor.
The man in the photos is about white 5’06” -5’09”, with light brown or blond hair cut military style “high and tight”.
They say he’s been in the store frequently and that he’s been stealing Michael Kors watches under the eyes of security cameras.
“It appears what he’s doing, he’s going up to the displays, he’s able to get a hold of the watches, slide off the tags, and get out of the store undetected,” said Syracuse Police Sgt. Tom Connellan.
Police say the most recent theft occurred on Jan. 15. They say he’s returned to the store at least four times, stealing only Michael Kors watches.
“He might be selling them on the street,” Connellan said. “He’s getting rid of them somewhere – either that or he’s a watch collector.”
The suspect has been observed getting into a Dodge minivan and they just received some new information that the man could be from the Oswego area.
Anyone with information on the case should call (315) 442-5222.
