Caught on camera: Thieves steal vehicle, but leave something behind



MILWAUKEE -- Car thieves may have gotten away with a vehicle, but they left something behind. Now, police say that "something" may lead them to the suspects.

"This is the person who stole my car," said Patrick Shannon, victim of crime. "It was a Sunday afternoon. The Packers game was on."

Patrick Shannon



But Shannon was not watching -- he was working as his 2001 red Dodge Caravan was parked outside of his Milwaukee home on N. 43rd St. It was parked, but not for long.

"He's looking back at the house. Nobody's coming -- looking inside -- he got it open," said Shannon.

After using the van as cover, the suspect then moves to the driver's side -- where they entered the vehicle. Barely 30 seconds passed before the thieves pull away from the scene.

"I get a letter from the tow yard, the next day--the city tow lot--saying that my car has been recovered," said Shannon.

Milwaukee police marked the van's recovery at around 12:30 a.m. on Monday, October 5th near 18th and Capitol. Shannon thinks the thieves ran out of gas and just ditched the van. He says none of his items are missing. In fact, someone left something inside.

Van theft



"They left in there an owner's manual for another vehicle -- and the insurance papers," said Shannon.

Shannon said the damage to his vehicle includes the absence of an ignition cylinder and a dead battery.

Meanwhile, if you have any information regarding this crime or the people responsible, you're urged to contact the Milwaukee Police Department.