Camera tapes burglar helping himself to homeowners' things

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Security cameras recorded a bold burglar in the Heights taking food from a refrigerator and a laptop while the homeowners were obviously home.

"He was in the house for less than three minutes," said one homeowner.

The homeowner and his partner wish to remain anonymous for safety reasons. They have eight cameras mounted throughout their home. The video shows the burglar creeping around-first outside, then inside the house.

At one point, he missed one homeowner by seconds.

"The face that someone came into my space and took my things while I was here, how brazen is that?"

It was around 9:45pm Thursday when cameras caught the man attempting to jump the fence. Once inside the backyard, he helped himself to a six-pack of soda, then peeked inside. The lights and television did not deter him.

"It was evident we were home,"

The burglar left for a few minutes and then came back and entered the house. He scoped out the first floor and walked upstairs where he stole a watch and a wallet as the other homeowner slept.

"It makes you wonder what if he's come here before?"

Before leaving for good, the burglar grabbed some food from the freezer and a laptop. He left out a back door just 45 seconds before the other homeowner walked in. The couple wants the man caught. Not only did he steal valuables from them, but he also stole their peace of mind.

"That's the biggest thing. All that can be replaced, but going to sleep tonight, that's going to be tough."

The Houston Police Department is investigating. If you recognize the man in the video, you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. You could be eligible for a reward.