Police in Billerica, Lowell search for alleged thief

BILLERICA, Mass. (WHDH) – Police are searching for an alleged thief who’s burglarized several businesses in Lowell and Billerica, including a K-Mart where he apparently stole $80,000 worth of jewelry.

“Normally when we go to calls like this, if we get some surveillance video usually you’ll see a suspect who’s kind of bent over or hiding behind things – who’s very cautious about what he’s doing. This guy is not doing that,” said Lt. Roy Frost, Billerica Police Department.

The alleged thief has hit five places in 48 hours, including an antique shop called the Wagon Shed, and a hair salon in Lowell where investigators say he left behind some DNA. But it’s the $80,000 worth of jewelry he allegedly stole from K-Mart that has people nervous.

“It’s a little scary. But I mean, if he’s going to K-Mart I don’t think he’s going to go to homes or not. But, I’m assuming probably,” said Maria Paglia, a neighbor.

“It makes me very nervous. It’s a crime, it’s in my neighborhood, and I don’t know what the details were, but it would make me nervous,” said June DiGiovanni.

Investigators say the suspect is shown wearing unique sneakers in all of the heists, where he not only takes money, but alcohol and whatever else he can quickly get rid of.

Police said he broke into K-Mart just 20 minutes after the last employee left.

“He’s absolutely potentially dangerous. He’s hitting a high-stakes place. This isn’t just a house break somebody’s hitting during the day where people are at work. He’s taking big chances so we have to be worried about what his intentions are,” said Lt. Frost.

Police do not know if the suspect is working alone or if he has a partner.