A Lauderdale Lakes Pawn Shop recently reported a burglary. Lucky for police, surveillance cameras captured the whole thing, from the suspect repelling down from the ceiling to loading up the stolen firearms.
The identity of the suspect is still unknown but curious folks can watch him work here at CBS News. The theft occurred at the Peoples Pawn Shop where the suspect made off with three rifles and two shotguns.
The suspect is reported to have cut a hole in the roof and dropped a rope. When he comes into camera range you can see he carries a bag on his back, the bag he later deposits the stolen weapons into.
While officials work to identify and capture the suspect, the nation gets a laugh at his escapade thanks to modern technology and a smart store owner’s decision to install cameras.
Burglary or breaking and entering are far more serious offenses than just theft. This is because the crime involves more than one criminal action. First, you are forcing entry to somewhere where you should not be. Second, you are stealing.
A theft charge, however, involves simply taking control over something you don’t have a right to. This could be shoplifting or it could involve simply walking away from someone’s home with something that doesn’t belong to you.
In theft cases, the charge you face depends on the value of the item that is alleged to have been stolen. The most serious theft charge is called Grand Theft and involves the theft of property valued over $100.000. This is a 1st degree felony and carries a potential 30 years in prison.
On the other end of the spectrum is 2nd Degree Petty Theft. This is the least serious of theft crimes and involves something valued at less than $100. If charged and convicted of this offense you face 2nd degree misdemeanor charges and 60 days in jail.
Whether the case against you involves a fairly minor incident or one that involves a large amount of money, I may be able to help. Contact me immediately to discuss the details of your theft case.