Police Look for Petroleum Jelly-Smearing Manhattan Burglar

The suspect applied petroleum jelly to apartment peepholes to obstruct the view.

Police are looking for a burglar who smears petroleum jelly on peepholes as he targets apartments in Washington Heights and Inwood.

He has struck at least 14 times between Sept. 4, 2011 and March 8.

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.

Police have a released a surveillance picture of the man they say has stolen DVD players, jewelry, laptops, cell phones, televisions, iPads, iPods, collectible coins and a carton of Marlboro cigarettes.

The burglarized apartments were on Riverside Drive, Seaman Avenue, Fort Washington Avenue, Cooper Street, Thayer Street, Fairview Avenue and Cabrini Boulevard.

The suspect is described as about 50 to 60 years old, wearing a Yankees baseball cap and dark glasses. He often carries a cane, police said.

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

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