DeKalb, Atlanta police suspect 1 man in up to 50 car break-ins

ATLANTA — Police think one man could be responsible for 50 car break-ins, averaging as many as 15 a night.
 
Channel 2's Liz Artz spoke to detectives and one victim.
 
Police say at least three people captured his image on home surveillance breaking into their cars. One of the homes was on Clifton Way in Atlanta. 
 
The crook has been striking cars from a section of DeKalb County to Decatur to Atlanta.
 
In the video, you can see exactly how he operates. After breaking the window, he climbed into a truck and rummaged through it before getting out and using a flash light to scan the bed of the pickup truck.
 
Artz spoke to a homeowner off Ousley Court who said he hopes his video helps catch the thief.
 
"Yeah, this guy needs to be caught. Needs to get off the streets," the man said.
 
He went on to say that he was disturbed by the thief's boldness.
 
"Obviously if he is bold enough to walk into someone's yard and break into a car, he's bold enough to break into their house," the man said.
 
Police think the thief is responsible for as many as 50 car break-ins in the DeKalb, Decatur and Atlanta areas. 
 
Lt. Brian DeLoach said the crystal clear surveillance video is how they will catch the man.
 
"Somebody recognizes this individual, that's going to be the No. 1 way we catch this guy," DeLoach said.
 
Police also said they were able to lift a fingerprint from one of the cars.
 
"Obtained some evidence from one of the scenes, we're printing right now. Hopefully get a hit off that," DeLoach said.
 
Police believe he could be making hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a night with stolen phones, laptops, checkbooks, wallets and credit cards.
 
Police said he could face more than five years in jail when he's caught.
 
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 404-577-TIPS.

WSBTV