A homeless man dubbed by police as the bicycle burglar is wanted in a series of overnight break-ins in several New Jersey communities, authorities say.
Home surveillance video from one of the burglaries shows the suspect, 47-year-old James Rainsford, calmly walking up to one Allendale home and trying one door after another. He bolts when an alarm sounds and runs across the lawn, and soon after, his bike reflectors are seen spinning away as he rides off.
Rainsford has broken into homes while people are home, which Allendale Police Det. Michael Dillon calls most alarming.
"Typically those types of burglaries result in violent confrontations with the homeowner," he said.
Rainsford travels far on his two wheels, police believe; he's thought to have broken into or have attempted to break into into at least seven homes in three towns: besides Allendale, Rainsford is wanted in Little Falls 12 miles away and in North Caldwell 20 miles away. There, he swiped the keys to a 2012 Acura MDX while a family was inside.
And at one house in Little Falls, police said he made off with ice cream and Chinese food. In fact, the alleged bike burglar seemed to often have the munchies, swiping snacks during the burglaries: he took a water bottle and almonds in the North Caldwell break-in.
Police believe Rainsford is squatting in vacant homes in Paterson, New Jersey. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
