15 Oct 2013
It is certainly not our intent or our purpose to provide information on how to commit a crime, or how not to get caught. But we though a recent report on a series of thefts might be an example of what not to do when you are engaged in illegal behavior of that sort. The mistakes include (1) leaving items stolen at one burglary at the site of a second burglary and (2) advertising the sale of stolen items using contact information that identifies you as the seller.
The story involves allegations against Thomas Krausz, a personal trainer who told police he was house sitting for a friend earlier this month. Krausz allegedly notified police that the house had been burglarized, and that a 9mm Sig Sauer pistol was among the items stolen. The homeowner said she thought the burglary was a hoax. She also told officers from the Austin PD that Krausz wasn’t housesitting, but that she gave him a key so he would have a place to spend time during the day while he was involved in a divorce. Her suspicions concerning Krausz were heightened when she discovered some odd purchases charged to her credit card.
Several days after the “house sitting” incident, a burglary took place at a nearby apartment building. The victim of the apartment burglary reported her laptop was missing. A bag was also discovered at the scene, and according to the officers, it contained duct tape, zip ties, and a mask, as well as the 9mm pistol stolen days earlier from the other home.
So far, there was nothing to connect Krausz with the burglaries, other than the fact that he knew both victims. But what Krausz did at that point was truly remarkable. He allegedly posted the laptop and other stolen items for sale on Craig’s list, using his own phone number as a contact. Not surprisingly, the laptop owner, who saw the ad, recognized Krausz’ telephone number. She notified police, arranged to buy to computer, and when Krausz showed up, he was arrested and charged with both burglaries. In addition to that arrest, police are investigating whether Krausz was involved in several additional area thefts. He was taken to the Travis County Jail, where bail was set at $50,000.
Law Office of David D. White, PLLC
1205 Rio Grande Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 369-3737