Brazen battery thief caught on tape - KPTV - FOX 12
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Fox 12's Most Wanted is caught on camera stealing thousands of dollars worth of batteries from a Vancouver business.
Kevin and Jennie Haugen of Interstate Batteries told Fox 12 the thief broke into their parking lot June 5.
Surveillance video showed him cutting their fence, then parking in a loading area and eventually helping himself to nearly 100 golf cart and boat batteries.
"It's just really upsetting to see someone doing this at your place of business," said Kevin Haugen.
Security cameras show the man driving in with a flatbed truck with Oregon plates. After parking, the Haugens said he left for about 20 minutes before returning to steal the batteries.
In the video, he's seen putting a stocking cap over his face before loading the heavy batteries, weighing up to 65 pounds, onto the back of the flatbed truck. The Haugens said he stole around $11,000 worth of the batteries retail.
"It's not right," said Jennie Haugen. "It's very unnerving."
Haugen said it's especially unnerving how familiar he seemed with their business.
"It seems as if he's watched or seen, or knows this place," she said.
Haugen saw Fox 12's story this week on the string of fuel thefts at Portland Habilitation Center in Northeast Portland, and she thought the suspects looked similar in both body build and demeanor.
"Both of these guys just seem so at ease," said Haugen.
Police have not confirmed a link between the crimes, but Vancouver detectives are still investigating the battery theft.
The Haugens hope by sharing the surveillance video, someone recognizes the suspect or flatbed truck, before the thief strikes again.
"I can't imagine the mentality of someone who feels they can just do that," said Kevin Haugen. "I just don't understand at all."
Anyone with information is urged to call Portland Police at (360) 487-7399 or (360) 487-7400
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