Police Identify Petroleum Jelly Bandit, Release New Picture

Police have identified the so-called Vaseline bandit as 40-year-old Luis Gonzalez

Police have identified the thief who has been smearing petroleum jelly on peepholes as he targets apartments.

Police said 40-year-old Luis Gonzalez has struck at least 14 times in Washington Heights and Inwood between Sept. 4, 2011 and March 8.

They released a photo of Gonzalez Thursday.

Some reports said the burglar dabs petroleum jelly on the peepholes of the apartments surrounding the one he is targeting, so that no one can look out and identify him as he breaks in with a crowbar.

But police said in some cases there was jelly on the burglarized apartment doors.

DVD players, jewelry, laptops, cell phones, televisions, iPads, iPods, collectible coins and a carton of Marlboro cigarettes were stolen in the burglaries.

Anyone with information on Gonzalez is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or at nypdcrimestoppers.com. 

Get the latest from NBC 4 New York anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Sign up for email newsletters here. Get breaking news delivered right to your phone -- just text NYBREAKING to 639710. For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.

Contact Us