Security-camera footage obtained by the publication shows a repeat theft pattern targeting Jewish-owned businesses in Jerusalem. The suspect, described as a man from the Arab sector who is known to police, has allegedly been operating for months and has caused fear among shop owners.
According to merchants interviewed over the past week, the thefts all follow the same routine in daylight on busy streets such as Jeremiah Street and Agrippas Street, and others nearby. The suspect arrives on a scooter, quickly loads expensive goods, and disappears within seconds. The stolen items have included boxes of fruit and vegetables, meat, other merchandise worth hundreds or even thousands of shekels, and in one case the battery of an electric scooter.
The shop owners say he takes advantage of the morning rush, when deliveries are being unloaded and owners are busy serving customers. In many cases, no other employees are present, and the theft is captured only by security cameras. The behavior has reportedly continued for about three to four months, and perhaps longer, with businesses living in constant anticipation of his next appearance.
Police are familiar with the suspect and have arrested him repeatedly. In one incident, he was even recognized by a police officer on the street, but managed to flee. Despite the repeated arrests, sources who spoke to the outlet say the court keeps releasing him, leaving them frustrated. Police say they are continuing to locate and arrest him, and the sources hope that if he is caught again, the case will proceed differently.
