Burglar caught after swiping owner’s SUV from Springfield, Mo., auto shop

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - The manager of Rick’s Automotive in Springfield told KY3 News that police arrested a man who broke into the shop just after midnight Friday morning.

After tripping the alarm, Springfield Police say the man stole an SUV and fled. That SUV happened to be the personal vehicle of the shop’s owner.

Officers with the Springfield Police Department say employees found one of the bay doors forced open. Cameras captured the man wearing a hat, surgical mask, and black clothing. Police have not confirmed the man’s arrest or any other information about him.

General Manager Tim Fess said the man was caught on camera surveying the shop prior to the break-in. Ultimately though, despite all the burglar’s efforts, Fess said the security system did its job.

“Even a professional, or what appears to be a professional, with all his research and homework and studying that he did was still ultimately caught. And we’re thankful for that,” Fess told KY3.

Fess added that his staff performed their jobs to perfection, and warned other businesses to bolster security and not to let their guards down.

“Obviously, you know, we’re going to step up our patrols as best we can,” Fess said. “In this case, no one did anything that could be misconstrued as wrong and all the systems were in place.”

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