BREMERTON, Wash. -- Imagine having your home gutted of its valuables, TV, computers, jewelry – everything gone. Now imagine watching as the robbers put it to use, even wrapping it up as Christmas presents. It's a strange scenario that's been playing out for weeks from Puget Sound to Southern California.
When Erick Lounsbery opens his new computer these days, he gets a snapshot of the criminal mind. His old computer was stolen back in October, among $24,000 in property taken from his home.
Fortunately, Erick purchased anti-theft software from a company called Orbicule that tracks stolen computers via satellite.
About 2 months later, Erick logged on to the security site to see that the security system was using the stolen laptop's built in camera to take a picture of the guy he believes stole his stuff.
Alleged accomplices were caught on camera, too, as well as all the websites they visited, including an application to work at McDonald's. Not to mention, a the Marine Corps records of one of the men possibly involved. He's a decorated Iraq war vet. His family members tell us he was in North Carolina at the time of the break-in and has nothing to do with crime. The security site also captured a screen image of an alleged accomplice's Facebook page.
"I can promise you I know more about them than they know about me," said Erick.
The software also pinpointed the location of the computer, all the way to a home at Camp Pendleton near San Diego. Erick says he watched the clueless criminals every time they logged on.
"This is better than TV," said Erick.
Erick called the police and a few days later, he logged on to find a picture of the California cop recovering his property.
The suspects are facing charges in California for possession of stolen property. Kitsap County prosecutors are deciding whether to extradite any of them for burglary charges here.
Erick says Investigators told him they actually found some of the stolen property wrapped up as Christmas presents and placed under the tree.
To add a comment, please register or login.