Would-be burglar caught at laundry
A would-be burglar was caught on video making repeated, bungled attempts to break into machines early Thursday at a Canonsburg coin-operated laundry.
Police received a report Thursday morning of a money-changing machine that was heavily damaged at Snowy White Laundry, 150 W. Pike St. Police also found another money-changing machine was tampered with, along with laundry soap and soft drink machines.
They notified the owner of the business, James Gregorakis.
Police reviewed surveillance video.
A white man, about 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighing 180 pounds and wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt was seen entering the business about 12:30 a.m. Thursday.
The man was seen trying to pry open the machine using a hammer, crowbar and two propane torches.
After having no success, he put the tools inside a backpack and ran through the rear door of the business.
He returned about two minutes later and again tried to break into that machine, as well as the other machines, before again leaving.
The burglar returned at 2:44 a.m., going once again to the first money-changing machine and trying unsuccessfully to break into it, this time using a hammer.
When that did not work, he used a hanger in an attempt to pick the lock.
The burglar also wore a gray skull cap, black ski mask pulled down over his face, black and gray mechanical gloves trimmed in yellow, tan pants with a tear at the knee, white thermal underpants and black shoes with a red sole.
Gregorakis told police it will cost $3,500 to replace the heavily damaged machine.