Burglaries | 60 Minutes Full Episodes

in the hierarchy of the underworld. No in the hierarchy of the underworld. No criminals are more romanticized than criminals are more romanticized than criminals are more romanticized than catburgurglars. They're thinking man's catburgurglars. They're thinking man's catburgurglars. They're thinking man's thieves who rely on stealth and surprise thieves who rely on stealth and surprise thieves who rely on stealth and surprise instead of violence, using planning and instead of violence, using planning and instead of violence, using planning and imagination to separate valuable bubbles imagination to separate valuable bubbles imagination to separate valuable bubbles from unsympathetic victims. meaning the from unsympathetic victims. meaning the from unsympathetic victims. meaning the super rich and their insurance super rich and their insurance super rich and their insurance companies. That's the movie version. companies. That's the movie version. companies. That's the movie version. Anyway, despite technological advances Anyway, despite technological advances Anyway, despite technological advances in burglar alarms and motion detectors in burglar alarms and motion detectors in burglar alarms and motion detectors and the proliferation of security firms, and the proliferation of security firms, and the proliferation of security firms, more than a hundred cat burglars are more than a hundred cat burglars are more than a hundred cat burglars are thought to be operating just in the thought to be operating just in the thought to be operating just in the state of Florida. And the Palm Beach state of Florida. And the Palm Beach state of Florida. And the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office says many of them have Sheriff's Office says many of them have Sheriff's Office says many of them have adopted their techniques from two of the adopted their techniques from two of the adopted their techniques from two of the very best, who were called the Dinner very best, who were called the Dinner very best, who were called the Dinner Set Gang. Set Gang. Set Gang. >> How good a jewel thief were you? >> How good a jewel thief were you? >> How good a jewel thief were you? >> I was the best. I am the best. >> I was the best. I am the best. >> I was the best. I am the best. >> Still. Still. >> Still. Still. >> Still. Still. >> You're not doing much work now, though. >> You're not doing much work now, though. >> You're not doing much work now, though. No, not now. No, not now. No, not now. >> Right now, Peter Serno is indisposed, >> Right now, Peter Serno is indisposed, >> Right now, Peter Serno is indisposed, serving time in a Miami prison. Not for serving time in a Miami prison. Not for serving time in a Miami prison. Not for stealing jewels, but for illegally stealing jewels, but for illegally stealing jewels, but for illegally distributing oxycottton, a painkiller he distributing oxycottton, a painkiller he distributing oxycottton, a painkiller he was taking to ease occupational backache was taking to ease occupational backache was taking to ease occupational backache from decades of climbing up the sides of from decades of climbing up the sides of from decades of climbing up the sides of buildings and breaking into bedrooms.

buildings and breaking into bedrooms. buildings and breaking into bedrooms. His longtime accomplice, lookout, and His longtime accomplice, lookout, and His longtime accomplice, lookout, and logistics man was his brother-in-law, logistics man was his brother-in-law, logistics man was his brother-in-law, Dominic Latella. Dominic Latella. Dominic Latella. >> What was your total hold, do you think, >> What was your total hold, do you think, >> What was your total hold, do you think, over all those years? over all those years? over all those years? >> I'd say maybe in the in the tens of >> I'd say maybe in the in the tens of >> I'd say maybe in the in the tens of millions. millions. millions. >> Their salad days were in the late 60s >> Their salad days were in the late 60s >> Their salad days were in the late 60s and 70s when they prayed on the super and 70s when they prayed on the super and 70s when they prayed on the super rich who wintered in Palm Beach, where rich who wintered in Palm Beach, where rich who wintered in Palm Beach, where diamonds seemed to drip [music] from diamonds seemed to drip [music] from diamonds seemed to drip [music] from every neck and earlobe, and pearls were every neck and earlobe, and pearls were every neck and earlobe, and pearls were something worn to play tennis. something worn to play tennis. something worn to play tennis. It was here that Serno and Latella It was here that Serno and Latella It was here that Serno and Latella revolutionized society burglaries. revolutionized society burglaries. revolutionized society burglaries. Instead of robbing the rich while they Instead of robbing the rich while they Instead of robbing the rich while they were out on the town wearing their best were out on the town wearing their best were out on the town wearing their best pieces, they cleaned them out at home pieces, they cleaned them out at home pieces, they cleaned them out at home while they were eating dinner. It's why while they were eating dinner. It's why while they were eating dinner. It's why the police dubbed them the dinner set the police dubbed them the dinner set the police dubbed them the dinner set gang. It should be noted that the gang. It should be noted that the gang. It should be noted that the wealthy don't eat dinner like most wealthy don't eat dinner like most wealthy don't eat dinner like most Americans. First of all, they dress for Americans. First of all, they dress for Americans. First of all, they dress for it. They usually invite guests and it. They usually invite guests and it. They usually invite guests and they're summoned to the dining room by they're summoned to the dining room by they're summoned to the dining room by butlers and maids to savor multi-course butlers and maids to savor multi-course butlers and maids to savor multi-course meals and polite conversations that can meals and polite conversations that can meals and polite conversations that can go on for hours. It's considered go on for hours. It's considered go on for hours. It's considered impolite to get up from the table. So, impolite to get up from the table. So, impolite to get up from the table. So, if you're a burglar watching through a if you're a burglar watching through a if you're a burglar watching through a window, window, window, the ritual becomes very predictable.

the ritual becomes very predictable. the ritual becomes very predictable. >> They never expect >> They never expect >> They never expect you. They never expect anybody to be in you. They never expect anybody to be in you. They never expect anybody to be in there with them while they're having there with them while they're having there with them while they're having dinner. dinner. dinner. >> So, you know that they're there. The >> So, you know that they're there. The >> So, you know that they're there. The burglar alarms are probably shut off burglar alarms are probably shut off burglar alarms are probably shut off >> and I can see they're off. >> and I can see they're off. >> and I can see they're off. >> And the best jewelry is upstairs. >> And the best jewelry is upstairs. >> And the best jewelry is upstairs. >> It's upstairs. >> It's upstairs. >> It's upstairs. >> And you were the second story guy. >> And you were the second story guy. >> And you were the second story guy. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> While he was upstairs, what would you be >> While he was upstairs, what would you be >> While he was upstairs, what would you be doing? doing? doing? >> I'm downstairs watching the people. If I >> I'm downstairs watching the people. If I >> I'm downstairs watching the people. If I feel someone's going up the stairs, I'm feel someone's going up the stairs, I'm feel someone's going up the stairs, I'm going to alert him that someone's coming going to alert him that someone's coming going to alert him that someone's coming up. up. up. >> How would you alert him? >> How would you alert him? >> How would you alert him? >> By whistle. A little whistle. >> By whistle. A little whistle. >> By whistle. A little whistle. >> How much time would you spend inside? >> How much time would you spend inside? >> How much time would you spend inside? >> 3 minutes. Three minutes. >> 3 minutes. Three minutes. >> 3 minutes. Three minutes. >> That's all. >> That's all. >> That's all. >> That's it. >> That's it. >> That's it. >> It's remarkable. But he had that six >> It's remarkable. But he had that six >> It's remarkable. But he had that six sense of of finding it. And you're sense of of finding it. And you're sense of of finding it. And you're talking about a big master suite, talking about a big master suite, talking about a big master suite, dressing areas, you know, um closet dressing areas, you know, um closet dressing areas, you know, um closet areas, and yet he just had a sense to areas, and yet he just had a sense to areas, and yet he just had a sense to he'd find it. If it was there, he found he'd find it. If it was there, he found he'd find it. If it was there, he found it. it. it. >> A lot of them don't even know it's even >> A lot of them don't even know it's even >> A lot of them don't even know it's even gone till the following day. gone till the following day. gone till the following day. >> When the social season ended in Palm >> When the social season ended in Palm >> When the social season ended in Palm Beach and the wealthy moved north, the Beach and the wealthy moved north, the Beach and the wealthy moved north, the Dinner set gang moved with them to New Dinner set gang moved with them to New Dinner set gang moved with them to New York and Connecticut. Retired detectives York and Connecticut. Retired detectives York and Connecticut. Retired detectives Billy Adams and Jim Hirs knew exactly Billy Adams and Jim Hirs knew exactly Billy Adams and Jim Hirs knew exactly who they were and spent 20 years trying who they were and spent 20 years trying who they were and spent 20 years trying to catch them.

to catch them. to catch them. >> In anything that you read in the last 40 >> In anything that you read in the last 40 >> In anything that you read in the last 40 years in regards to jewel thieves, Peter years in regards to jewel thieves, Peter years in regards to jewel thieves, Peter Cerner's name always comes up. And he's Cerner's name always comes up. And he's Cerner's name always comes up. And he's the standard by which all other jewels the standard by which all other jewels the standard by which all other jewels thieves are judged. thieves are judged. thieves are judged. >> What kind of places did they hit and how >> What kind of places did they hit and how >> What kind of places did they hit and how much did they usually get? They hit the much did they usually get? They hit the much did they usually get? They hit the large homes and their average hit was large homes and their average hit was large homes and their average hit was about a quarter of a million dollars about a quarter of a million dollars about a quarter of a million dollars back in the 70s, early 70s. A lot of back in the 70s, early 70s. A lot of back in the 70s, early 70s. A lot of money, a lot of money today uh for the money, a lot of money today uh for the money, a lot of money today uh for the work they were doing. They were doing work they were doing. They were doing work they were doing. They were doing better than Wall Street. Uh it was nice better than Wall Street. Uh it was nice better than Wall Street. Uh it was nice days pay, taxfree. days pay, taxfree. days pay, taxfree. >> They loved it. We didn't. And you talk >> They loved it. We didn't. And you talk >> They loved it. We didn't. And you talk about anybody that was doing about anybody that was doing about anybody that was doing surveillance, sitting in a car for 24 surveillance, sitting in a car for 24 surveillance, sitting in a car for 24 hours watching a house eating oranges hours watching a house eating oranges hours watching a house eating oranges and looking for a place to go to the and looking for a place to go to the and looking for a place to go to the bathroom, drinking stale coffee, and bathroom, drinking stale coffee, and bathroom, drinking stale coffee, and they're living the life of Riley like they're living the life of Riley like they're living the life of Riley like they're a member of the Greenwich they're a member of the Greenwich they're a member of the Greenwich Country Club. I mean, you start to say Country Club. I mean, you start to say Country Club. I mean, you start to say to yourself, "Damn, maybe crime does to yourself, "Damn, maybe crime does to yourself, "Damn, maybe crime does pay." The Dinner said gang researched pay." The Dinner said gang researched pay." The Dinner said gang researched their jobs in local libraries, their jobs in local libraries, their jobs in local libraries, developing leads from Forbes magazine's developing leads from Forbes magazine's developing leads from Forbes magazine's list of wealthiest Americans, getting list of wealthiest Americans, getting list of wealthiest Americans, getting addresses from Who's Who in America, and addresses from Who's Who in America, and addresses from Who's Who in America, and perusing photo spreads in Architectural perusing photo spreads in Architectural perusing photo spreads in Architectural Digest and Town and Country. They stole Digest and Town and Country. They stole Digest and Town and Country. They stole $168,000 $168,000 $168,000 in jewels from the home of Readers in jewels from the home of Readers in jewels from the home of Readers Digest founder Dwit Wallace while he and Digest founder Dwit Wallace while he and Digest founder Dwit Wallace while he and his wife were finishing dessert. But his wife were finishing dessert. But his wife were finishing dessert. But that was pocket change compared to the 5 that was pocket change compared to the 5 that was pocket change compared to the 5 million they scored from an heir to the million they scored from an heir to the million they scored from an heir to the Flaggler Railroad fortune while she was Flaggler Railroad fortune while she was Flaggler Railroad fortune while she was hosting a seated black tie dinner. But hosting a seated black tie dinner. But hosting a seated black tie dinner. But their biggest score was here north of

their biggest score was here north of their biggest score was here north of Palm Beach in the exclusive community of Palm Beach in the exclusive community of Palm Beach in the exclusive community of Hob Sound, an impregnable refuge for the Hob Sound, an impregnable refuge for the Hob Sound, an impregnable refuge for the wealthy with one road in and one road wealthy with one road in and one road wealthy with one road in and one road out. So they bought a raft and mounted an So they bought a raft and mounted an amphibious assault. amphibious assault. amphibious assault. >> Who are some of the people who lived >> Who are some of the people who lived >> Who are some of the people who lived here? here? here? >> A lot of major names. A lot of very >> A lot of major names. A lot of very >> A lot of major names. A lot of very wellto-do people. wellto-do people. wellto-do people. >> Some of the richest people in the >> Some of the richest people in the >> Some of the richest people in the country. country. country. >> Some of the richest people in the world. >> Some of the richest people in the world. >> Some of the richest people in the world. >> One night, as an heir to the DuPont >> One night, as an heir to the DuPont >> One night, as an heir to the DuPont fortune sat down to dinner, Latella and fortune sat down to dinner, Latella and fortune sat down to dinner, Latella and Serno beached their raft, breached the Serno beached their raft, breached the Serno beached their raft, breached the bedroom, and in a matter of minutes bedroom, and in a matter of minutes bedroom, and in a matter of minutes pulled off one of the biggest jewelry pulled off one of the biggest jewelry pulled off one of the biggest jewelry heists in history. heists in history. heists in history. >> I went in the linen closet and I start >> I went in the linen closet and I start >> I went in the linen closet and I start squeezing the sheets squeezing the sheets squeezing the sheets that were in there, right? And the that were in there, right? And the that were in there, right? And the sheets were hard. And I uncovered it and sheets were hard. And I uncovered it and sheets were hard. And I uncovered it and it was a big traveling a leather it was a big traveling a leather it was a big traveling a leather traveling case that was stamped where traveling case that was stamped where traveling case that was stamped where she came through customs in different she came through customs in different she came through customs in different countries and it was locked and I popped countries and it was locked and I popped countries and it was locked and I popped it open it open it open >> and he said, "Here, don't drop it. >> and he said, "Here, don't drop it. >> and he said, "Here, don't drop it. You're just about to become a You're just about to become a You're just about to become a millionaire." And I'm thinking, "What millionaire." And I'm thinking, "What millionaire." And I'm thinking, "What are you talking about?" He says, "You'll are you talking about?" He says, "You'll are you talking about?" He says, "You'll see."

see." see." >> Do you remember any of the stuff? >> Do you remember any of the stuff? >> Do you remember any of the stuff? >> Oh, I remember everything. I mean, >> Oh, I remember everything. I mean, >> Oh, I remember everything. I mean, something like that you don't ever something like that you don't ever something like that you don't ever forget. I could tell you every piece forget. I could tell you every piece forget. I could tell you every piece that was there. that was there. that was there. >> Tell me. I recall two big sapphires, a >> Tell me. I recall two big sapphires, a >> Tell me. I recall two big sapphires, a 25 karat and a 22 karat round faceted 25 karat and a 22 karat round faceted 25 karat and a 22 karat round faceted sapphires. I recall a ruby. It was sapphires. I recall a ruby. It was sapphires. I recall a ruby. It was beautiful. Had all big mares coming up beautiful. Had all big mares coming up beautiful. Had all big mares coming up like a Christmas tree. Uh a terrific like a Christmas tree. Uh a terrific like a Christmas tree. Uh a terrific emerald, big emerald. I don't know emerald, big emerald. I don't know emerald, big emerald. I don't know whether it was 12 or 14, 15 carats. She whether it was 12 or 14, 15 carats. She whether it was 12 or 14, 15 carats. She also had a set of beautiful pearls with also had a set of beautiful pearls with also had a set of beautiful pearls with a 5 karat marquee. Canary yellow marquee a 5 karat marquee. Canary yellow marquee a 5 karat marquee. Canary yellow marquee clasp. clasp. clasp. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Just think of a 5 karat marquee diamond. >> Just think of a 5 karat marquee diamond. >> Just think of a 5 karat marquee diamond. That's your clasp. That's your clasp. That's your clasp. >> But that wasn't the biggest piece. >> But that wasn't the biggest piece. >> But that wasn't the biggest piece. >> Okay. was a >> Okay. was a >> Okay. was a 17.65 natural pink natural pink flawless pear-shaped diamond flawless pear-shaped diamond flawless pear-shaped diamond >> worth >> worth >> worth >> worth at that time 1.8 million people. >> worth at that time 1.8 million people. >> worth at that time 1.8 million people. >> Where is it now? Do you know? >> Where is it now? Do you know? >> Where is it now? Do you know? >> Yeah. Uh some >> Yeah. Uh some >> Yeah. Uh some Arab chic has it now. Arab chic has it now. Arab chic has it now. The total hall was $12 million. And they The total hall was $12 million. And they The total hall was $12 million. And they headed to New York to celebrate with headed to New York to celebrate with headed to New York to celebrate with this gay-haired man. The gentleman, they this gay-haired man. The gentleman, they this gay-haired man. The gentleman, they say, was a business associate, long say, was a business associate, long say, was a business associate, long suspected, but never indicted for suspected, but never indicted for suspected, but never indicted for helping them move their merchandise.

helping them move their merchandise. helping them move their merchandise. >> Who's your fence? >> Who's your fence? >> Who's your fence? >> Uh, guy named Wally Gans. U he was in >> Uh, guy named Wally Gans. U he was in >> Uh, guy named Wally Gans. U he was in the the the 47th Street Diamond Exchange, 47th Street Diamond Exchange, 47th Street Diamond Exchange, which is the biggest exchange in the which is the biggest exchange in the which is the biggest exchange in the world to me. I mean, you know, I mean, world to me. I mean, you know, I mean, world to me. I mean, you know, I mean, I've been under the ground. They have I've been under the ground. They have I've been under the ground. They have their own vaults. They don't go to their own vaults. They don't go to their own vaults. They don't go to banks. We have more diamonds and cash banks. We have more diamonds and cash banks. We have more diamonds and cash there than God. there than God. there than God. >> He was a reputable guy. >> He was a reputable guy. >> He was a reputable guy. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> I mean, except for the fact that he was >> I mean, except for the fact that he was >> I mean, except for the fact that he was your fence. your fence. your fence. >> Except that he was a fence. >> Except that he was a fence. >> Except that he was a fence. >> They only collected 10 cents on the >> They only collected 10 cents on the >> They only collected 10 cents on the dollar, the going rate for hot jewelry, dollar, the going rate for hot jewelry, dollar, the going rate for hot jewelry, and there was the occasional tribute to and there was the occasional tribute to and there was the occasional tribute to friends in the mob. But there was more friends in the mob. But there was more friends in the mob. But there was more than enough money for Serno and Latella than enough money for Serno and Latella than enough money for Serno and Latella and the twin sisters they married, and the twin sisters they married, and the twin sisters they married, Gloria and Sandra Ceino. There was Gloria and Sandra Ceino. There was Gloria and Sandra Ceino. There was always a lot of money around. always a lot of money around. always a lot of money around. >> A lot. A >> A lot. A >> A lot. A >> lot. >> lot. >> lot. >> Bags full. >> Bags full. >> Bags full. >> Bags full. [snorts] Suitcases full. We >> Bags full. [snorts] Suitcases full. We >> Bags full. [snorts] Suitcases full. We would put it in envelopes of $20,000 at would put it in envelopes of $20,000 at would put it in envelopes of $20,000 at a time, put them in the envelopes, close a time, put them in the envelopes, close a time, put them in the envelopes, close the envelope, then put them in safe the envelope, then put them in safe the envelope, then put them in safe deposit box. And I can remember having deposit box. And I can remember having deposit box. And I can remember having to go to the safe deposit box and to go to the safe deposit box and to go to the safe deposit box and changing it because I couldn't put changing it because I couldn't put changing it because I couldn't put another envelope in it.

another envelope in it. another envelope in it. >> What did you do with all that money? >> What did you do with all that money? >> What did you do with all that money? >> We lived, right? >> We lived, right? >> We lived, right? >> Yeah. Spent it. We had new cars. We had >> Yeah. Spent it. We had new cars. We had >> Yeah. Spent it. We had new cars. We had clothes, homes, clothes, homes, clothes, homes, >> boats, >> boats, >> boats, >> boats, >> boats, >> boats, >> traveling. >> traveling. >> traveling. >> I had a scarab of these. >> I had a scarab of these. >> I had a scarab of these. >> I had a 450 Mercedes. Pete had a roll. >> I had a 450 Mercedes. Pete had a roll. >> I had a 450 Mercedes. Pete had a roll. >> Ironically, the money started to run out >> Ironically, the money started to run out >> Ironically, the money started to run out in the 1980s when they flirted with the in the 1980s when they flirted with the in the 1980s when they flirted with the notion of going legit. They started a notion of going legit. They started a notion of going legit. They started a construction company that built these construction company that built these construction company that built these condominiums and lost their shirts when condominiums and lost their shirts when condominiums and lost their shirts when the real estate market crashed. Both men the real estate market crashed. Both men the real estate market crashed. Both men developed a taste for cocaine and Pete developed a taste for cocaine and Pete developed a taste for cocaine and Pete did a stretch in prison. When he got did a stretch in prison. When he got did a stretch in prison. When he got out, Gloria Serno had been diagnosed out, Gloria Serno had been diagnosed out, Gloria Serno had been diagnosed with breast cancer. with breast cancer. with breast cancer. >> And as you know, well, you wouldn't >> And as you know, well, you wouldn't >> And as you know, well, you wouldn't know, but in our business, we don't have know, but in our business, we don't have know, but in our business, we don't have health insurance. And uh to get the health insurance. And uh to get the health insurance. And uh to get the proper care, you know, he needed a lot proper care, you know, he needed a lot proper care, you know, he needed a lot of money. of money. of money. >> They headed north in the winter of 1991 >> They headed north in the winter of 1991 >> They headed north in the winter of 1991 and went on a major crime spree looking and went on a major crime spree looking and went on a major crime spree looking for quick scores. for quick scores. for quick scores. >> I never did 40 jobs in one month. I was >> I never did 40 jobs in one month. I was >> I never did 40 jobs in one month. I was just obsessed. I wasn't going to let her just obsessed. I wasn't going to let her just obsessed. I wasn't going to let her die because of money.

die because of money. die because of money. for the lack of money. That money saved for the lack of money. That money saved for the lack of money. That money saved her life. her life. her life. >> You got careless. I got careless. >> You got careless. I got careless. >> You got careless. I got careless. >> We broke our rules. You know, not >> We broke our rules. You know, not >> We broke our rules. You know, not knowing your target, not knowing where knowing your target, not knowing where knowing your target, not knowing where you're going, knowing your escape, you're going, knowing your escape, you're going, knowing your escape, working in the winter, especially in the working in the winter, especially in the working in the winter, especially in the snow. snow. snow. >> One of the first houses they hit was one >> One of the first houses they hit was one >> One of the first houses they hit was one they had broken into nearly 20 years they had broken into nearly 20 years they had broken into nearly 20 years before. Even the victims were the same. before. Even the victims were the same. before. Even the victims were the same. >> Everything was identical except the date >> Everything was identical except the date >> Everything was identical except the date on the police report. It was on the police report. It was on the police report. It was unbelievable. So, you knew they were unbelievable. So, you knew they were unbelievable. So, you knew they were back in town? back in town? back in town? >> When I saw the hit come in on the on >> When I saw the hit come in on the on >> When I saw the hit come in on the on police report, all you said was, police report, all you said was, police report, all you said was, "They're back." You know, but then "They're back." You know, but then "They're back." You know, but then again, you went, "They're back." again, you went, "They're back." again, you went, "They're back." It was almost good to know they were It was almost good to know they were It was almost good to know they were back cuz the chase was on again. back cuz the chase was on again. back cuz the chase was on again. >> Adams sent out a bulletin alerting >> Adams sent out a bulletin alerting >> Adams sent out a bulletin alerting police departments in the surrounding police departments in the surrounding police departments in the surrounding areas that the Dinner said gang was back areas that the Dinner said gang was back areas that the Dinner said gang was back in business. And on January 21st, 1992, in business. And on January 21st, 1992, in business. And on January 21st, 1992, at this house in Westport, Connecticut, at this house in Westport, Connecticut, at this house in Westport, Connecticut, their luck finally ran out. And I recall their luck finally ran out. And I recall their luck finally ran out. And I recall the woman uh being downstairs in her the woman uh being downstairs in her the woman uh being downstairs in her foyer and Pete says uh put me up on a foyer and Pete says uh put me up on a foyer and Pete says uh put me up on a ledge. He went up, made entry into the ledge. He went up, made entry into the ledge. He went up, made entry into the bedroom and all of a sudden I noticed bedroom and all of a sudden I noticed bedroom and all of a sudden I noticed the woman look up and I knew she heard the woman look up and I knew she heard the woman look up and I knew she heard something.

something. something. >> The owner of the house called 911 and >> The owner of the house called 911 and >> The owner of the house called 911 and within a few minutes the woods were within a few minutes the woods were within a few minutes the woods were teeming with cops and dogs. teeming with cops and dogs. teeming with cops and dogs. >> They flooded and they stayed. It wasn't >> They flooded and they stayed. It wasn't >> They flooded and they stayed. It wasn't one of these yippy cay. I'm in here for one of these yippy cay. I'm in here for one of these yippy cay. I'm in here for 15 minutes and we're out of here. They 15 minutes and we're out of here. They 15 minutes and we're out of here. They stayed. They pulled back, made a sweep, stayed. They pulled back, made a sweep, stayed. They pulled back, made a sweep, made sure everybody's safe, pulled back made sure everybody's safe, pulled back made sure everybody's safe, pulled back and waited and waited and waited, then and waited and waited and waited, then and waited and waited and waited, then brought the dog again. brought the dog again. brought the dog again. >> And I recall it was like blowing snow, >> And I recall it was like blowing snow, >> And I recall it was like blowing snow, maybe 10° out, and finally we just maybe 10° out, and finally we just maybe 10° out, and finally we just conceded to the fact saying, you know, conceded to the fact saying, you know, conceded to the fact saying, you know, Pete, doesn't look good. This is this is Pete, doesn't look good. This is this is Pete, doesn't look good. This is this is it. We're done. it. We're done. it. We're done. >> Both men were arrested, and the police >> Both men were arrested, and the police >> Both men were arrested, and the police were able to link them to a number of were able to link them to a number of were able to link them to a number of previous burglaries. Latella served nine previous burglaries. Latella served nine previous burglaries. Latella served nine years in prison. Serno served four. Was years in prison. Serno served four. Was years in prison. Serno served four. Was that the greatest day of your that the greatest day of your that the greatest day of your professional life to finally see him professional life to finally see him professional life to finally see him caught? caught? caught? >> No, >> No, >> No, not at all. not at all. not at all. >> Why not? The chase was over. >> Why not? The chase was over. >> Why not? The chase was over. >> Great, [snorts] we caught him. But as >> Great, [snorts] we caught him. But as >> Great, [snorts] we caught him. But as Billy said, this sucks. We got nobody to Billy said, this sucks. We got nobody to Billy said, this sucks. We got nobody to chase no more. chase no more. chase no more. >> They don't have anyone to chase anymore >> They don't have anyone to chase anymore >> They don't have anyone to chase anymore because they're retired and collecting because they're retired and collecting because they're retired and collecting pensions. The dinner set wives have pensions. The dinner set wives have pensions. The dinner set wives have drifted back to the middle class working drifted back to the middle class working drifted back to the middle class working retail in a Fort Lauderdale mall.

retail in a Fort Lauderdale mall. retail in a Fort Lauderdale mall. And Dominic Latella, who is still on And Dominic Latella, who is still on And Dominic Latella, who is still on parole, is selling used boats. He says parole, is selling used boats. He says parole, is selling used boats. He says he's out of the burglary business now he's out of the burglary business now he's out of the burglary business now and felt it was time to tell his story. and felt it was time to tell his story. and felt it was time to tell his story. If you had it to do over again, would If you had it to do over again, would If you had it to do over again, would you live your life the same way? Well, you live your life the same way? Well, you live your life the same way? Well, the the certain regrets I do have is if the the certain regrets I do have is if the the certain regrets I do have is if I've scarred anybody uh from feeling I've scarred anybody uh from feeling I've scarred anybody uh from feeling violated, I'm sorry in that respect, you violated, I'm sorry in that respect, you violated, I'm sorry in that respect, you know, cuz I'm sure a lot of people felt know, cuz I'm sure a lot of people felt know, cuz I'm sure a lot of people felt that way cuz I know how my wife would that way cuz I know how my wife would that way cuz I know how my wife would feel, you know. Um, if it's any feel, you know. Um, if it's any feel, you know. Um, if it's any consolation, you know, and it was by us, consolation, you know, and it was by us, consolation, you know, and it was by us, believe me, we're gentlemen and we believe me, we're gentlemen and we believe me, we're gentlemen and we weren't there to hurt anybody. weren't there to hurt anybody. weren't there to hurt anybody. >> Just rob them, >> Just rob them, >> Just rob them, >> right? You don't regret becoming a a JY? >> right? You don't regret becoming a a JY? >> right? You don't regret becoming a a JY? >> No. No, I don't regret it. >> No. No, I don't regret it. >> No. No, I don't regret it. >> Do you like the life? >> Do you like the life? >> Do you like the life? >> Yeah. The excitement. >> Yeah. The excitement. >> Yeah. The excitement. >> When do you get out of jail? >> When do you get out of jail? >> When do you get out of jail? >> December of uh 2008. >> December of uh 2008. >> December of uh 2008. >> You planning another job? >> You planning another job? >> You planning another job? >> Nope. >> Nope. >> Nope. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] No. No. No. >> You sure? You wouldn't tell me if you >> You sure? You wouldn't tell me if you >> You sure? You wouldn't tell me if you were. were. were. >> No, I wouldn't.

To catch a thief. Not the movie, the To catch a thief. Not the movie, the real thing. Two years ago, some of the real thing. Two years ago, some of the real thing. Two years ago, some of the world's most valuable art was lifted world's most valuable art was lifted world's most valuable art was lifted from a Boston museum. Works including from a Boston museum. Works including from a Boston museum. Works including Rembrandt's only seascape, one of only Rembrandt's only seascape, one of only Rembrandt's only seascape, one of only 32 Vermeier paintings in the world, a 32 Vermeier paintings in the world, a 32 Vermeier paintings in the world, a manet and some degas. 13 pieces in all manet and some degas. 13 pieces in all manet and some degas. 13 pieces in all worth at least $200 million. Perhaps the worth at least $200 million. Perhaps the worth at least $200 million. Perhaps the biggest art theft ever. In most cases, biggest art theft ever. In most cases, biggest art theft ever. In most cases, sooner or later, the works turn up, sooner or later, the works turn up, sooner or later, the works turn up, ransom back to the owner or their ransom back to the owner or their ransom back to the owner or their insurance company. In this case, nothing insurance company. In this case, nothing insurance company. In this case, nothing except for one slightly slippery except for one slightly slippery except for one slightly slippery suspect. suspect. suspect. It happened one night in Boston at the It happened one night in Boston at the It happened one night in Boston at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. 1:00 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. 1:00 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. 1:00 a.m. March 18th, 1990. Two men dressed a.m. March 18th, 1990. Two men dressed a.m. March 18th, 1990. Two men dressed as Boston cops came to this side door of as Boston cops came to this side door of as Boston cops came to this side door of the museum. They knocked and told the the museum. They knocked and told the the museum. They knocked and told the guards they were responding to a report guards they were responding to a report guards they were responding to a report of a disturbance. In moments, the guards of a disturbance. In moments, the guards of a disturbance. In moments, the guards were overwhelmed, bound, and gagged. And were overwhelmed, bound, and gagged. And were overwhelmed, bound, and gagged. And the thieves went to work. the thieves went to work. the thieves went to work. [music] [music] [music] The museum built at the turn of the The museum built at the turn of the The museum built at the turn of the century by the eccentric Isabella century by the eccentric Isabella century by the eccentric Isabella Stewart Gardner was a copy of an Italian Stewart Gardner was a copy of an Italian Stewart Gardner was a copy of an Italian villa. She lived here and scoured Europe villa. She lived here and scoured Europe villa. She lived here and scoured Europe for this eclectic collection.

>> For two hours, the thieves roamed these >> For two hours, the thieves roamed these halls. Among the paintings stolen were halls. Among the paintings stolen were halls. Among the paintings stolen were Rembrandt's Storm on the Sea of Galilee Rembrandt's Storm on the Sea of Galilee Rembrandt's Storm on the Sea of Galilee and Vermeier's The Concert. and Vermeier's The Concert. and Vermeier's The Concert. >> Splendid resolution. >> Splendid resolution. >> Splendid resolution. >> Peter Sutton, curator of European >> Peter Sutton, curator of European >> Peter Sutton, curator of European paintings at Boston's Museum of Fine paintings at Boston's Museum of Fine paintings at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, notes their paintings of Arts, notes their paintings of Arts, notes their paintings of extraordinary significance. the early extraordinary significance. the early extraordinary significance. the early Rembrandt, a very large and ambitious Rembrandt, a very large and ambitious Rembrandt, a very large and ambitious picture, a picture of wonderful picture, a picture of wonderful picture, a picture of wonderful theatrics and and the only marine marine theatrics and and the only marine marine theatrics and and the only marine marine painting in his entire Irv. A picture of painting in his entire Irv. A picture of painting in his entire Irv. A picture of tremendous importance. And the Vermeere, tremendous importance. And the Vermeere, tremendous importance. And the Vermeere, what could be more rare or precious than what could be more rare or precious than what could be more rare or precious than a Vermeier? Perfectly poised and a Vermeier? Perfectly poised and a Vermeier? Perfectly poised and balanced, kind of an inevitable balanced, kind of an inevitable balanced, kind of an inevitable geometry. geometry. geometry. >> The inevitable geometry that night >> The inevitable geometry that night >> The inevitable geometry that night became an empty rectangle. It was not became an empty rectangle. It was not became an empty rectangle. It was not until 7 the next morning that the two until 7 the next morning that the two until 7 the next morning that the two guards were found still bound and gagged guards were found still bound and gagged guards were found still bound and gagged in the basement. The art world was in in the basement. The art world was in in the basement. The art world was in shock. shock. shock. In all, 13 objects were taken by two men In all, 13 objects were taken by two men In all, 13 objects were taken by two men who were later described by the guards who were later described by the guards who were later described by the guards to police artists as being in their late to police artists as being in their late to police artists as being in their late 20s or early 30s and speaking with 20s or early 30s and speaking with 20s or early 30s and speaking with Boston accents.

Boston accents. Boston accents. >> They were definitely professional >> They were definitely professional >> They were definitely professional thieves. They knew what they were doing. thieves. They knew what they were doing. thieves. They knew what they were doing. Brian McDev says he's an expert on this Brian McDev says he's an expert on this Brian McDev says he's an expert on this kind of heist because he was once part kind of heist because he was once part kind of heist because he was once part of an international ring that stole to of an international ring that stole to of an international ring that stole to order. order. order. >> This was clearly an operation that >> This was clearly an operation that >> This was clearly an operation that somebody paid for. They wanted, I think, somebody paid for. They wanted, I think, somebody paid for. They wanted, I think, those two specific paintings. And the those two specific paintings. And the those two specific paintings. And the only way that you can get those only way that you can get those only way that you can get those paintings for your collection is that paintings for your collection is that paintings for your collection is that you pay somebody to go in and steal you pay somebody to go in and steal you pay somebody to go in and steal them. I mean, that's what that's what I them. I mean, that's what that's what I them. I mean, that's what that's what I used to do. What's your best used to do. What's your best used to do. What's your best professional guess about the location of professional guess about the location of professional guess about the location of the gardener paintings now as we speak? the gardener paintings now as we speak? the gardener paintings now as we speak? >> I believe they're in Japan. >> I believe they're in Japan. >> I believe they're in Japan. >> All of them. >> All of them. >> All of them. >> All of them. >> All of them. >> All of them. >> There is the possibility some >> There is the possibility some >> There is the possibility some billionaire is gloating over the billionaire is gloating over the billionaire is gloating over the paintings. It's also possible they're paintings. It's also possible they're paintings. It's also possible they're being held for ransom. being held for ransom. being held for ransom. >> Makes best sense, of course, because you >> Makes best sense, of course, because you >> Makes best sense, of course, because you can't fence objects like this. can't fence objects like this. can't fence objects like this. >> They're too wellknown. Exactly. >> They're too wellknown. Exactly. >> They're too wellknown. Exactly. >> Too obvious. No museum's going to buy >> Too obvious. No museum's going to buy >> Too obvious. No museum's going to buy them. No, no reputable, perhaps even them. No, no reputable, perhaps even them. No, no reputable, perhaps even disreputable collector, disreputable collector, disreputable collector, >> very unlikely, >> very unlikely, >> very unlikely, >> would want to own something that says >> would want to own something that says >> would want to own something that says Gardener Museum Gardener Museum Gardener Museum >> all on it.

>> all on it. >> all on it. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Too famous. >> Too famous. >> Too famous. >> Our next stop, a place that should put >> Our next stop, a place that should put >> Our next stop, a place that should put any art thief into panic. The FBI and any art thief into panic. The FBI and any art thief into panic. The FBI and its head of interstate theft, Howard its head of interstate theft, Howard its head of interstate theft, Howard Apple. There's a million dollar reward Apple. There's a million dollar reward Apple. There's a million dollar reward in this case and to my knowledge, no one in this case and to my knowledge, no one in this case and to my knowledge, no one has ever come forth with an offer to has ever come forth with an offer to has ever come forth with an offer to return the pieces of stolen art. return the pieces of stolen art. return the pieces of stolen art. >> Agent Apple says up to 40 agents at a >> Agent Apple says up to 40 agents at a >> Agent Apple says up to 40 agents at a time have been working on the case, but time have been working on the case, but time have been working on the case, but you do get the feeling that the bureau you do get the feeling that the bureau you do get the feeling that the bureau is baffled. The paintings have been put is baffled. The paintings have been put is baffled. The paintings have been put into the stolen art computer network and into the stolen art computer network and into the stolen art computer network and distributed throughout the world through distributed throughout the world through distributed throughout the world through Interpol. But in 2 and 1/2 years, Interpol. But in 2 and 1/2 years, Interpol. But in 2 and 1/2 years, nothing. But there was one thing. a nothing. But there was one thing. a nothing. But there was one thing. a robbery attempt 10 years earlier that robbery attempt 10 years earlier that robbery attempt 10 years earlier that seemed almost a blueprint for the seemed almost a blueprint for the seemed almost a blueprint for the gardener heist. It was at the Hyde gardener heist. It was at the Hyde gardener heist. It was at the Hyde Museum in upstate New York. [music] Museum in upstate New York. [music] Museum in upstate New York. [music] The Hyde family built their museum in The Hyde family built their museum in The Hyde family built their museum in Glenn's Falls shortly after the Gardener Glenn's Falls shortly after the Gardener Glenn's Falls shortly after the Gardener was built. It was a mini gardener. They was built. It was a mini gardener. They was built. It was a mini gardener. They purchased similar paintings, a few purchased similar paintings, a few purchased similar paintings, a few Rembrandts, a Vermeere, and other Rembrandts, a Vermeere, and other Rembrandts, a Vermeere, and other valuable European works.

valuable European works. valuable European works. In 1980, there was an elaborate attempt In 1980, there was an elaborate attempt In 1980, there was an elaborate attempt to rob the museum. It was planned from to rob the museum. It was planned from to rob the museum. It was planned from the Queensberry Hotel in Glenn's Falls, the Queensberry Hotel in Glenn's Falls, the Queensberry Hotel in Glenn's Falls, where the brains behind it had taken up where the brains behind it had taken up where the brains behind it had taken up permanent residence. permanent residence. permanent residence. >> Paid his bills. Uh, as far as I can >> Paid his bills. Uh, as far as I can >> Paid his bills. Uh, as far as I can remember, they were paid in cash. remember, they were paid in cash. remember, they were paid in cash. >> A young man whom the assistant manager >> A young man whom the assistant manager >> A young man whom the assistant manager remembers well. remembers well. remembers well. >> I knew him as Paul Vanderbilt. >> I knew him as Paul Vanderbilt. >> I knew him as Paul Vanderbilt. >> Apparently, one of the Vanderbilts. He >> Apparently, one of the Vanderbilts. He >> Apparently, one of the Vanderbilts. He spent months casing the museum and gave spent months casing the museum and gave spent months casing the museum and gave the impression he might be a major the impression he might be a major the impression he might be a major benefactor. benefactor. benefactor. >> He drove a Bentley, which uh he treated >> He drove a Bentley, which uh he treated >> He drove a Bentley, which uh he treated rather well. rather well. rather well. >> In the hotel, Vanderbilt and an >> In the hotel, Vanderbilt and an >> In the hotel, Vanderbilt and an accomplice worked for months on a accomplice worked for months on a accomplice worked for months on a detailed plan to rob the Hide. They detailed plan to rob the Hide. They detailed plan to rob the Hide. They dressed up as Federal Express men, dressed up as Federal Express men, dressed up as Federal Express men, hijacked a Federal Express van, bound hijacked a Federal Express van, bound hijacked a Federal Express van, bound and gagged the driver, but got stuck in and gagged the driver, but got stuck in and gagged the driver, but got stuck in traffic, which ruined their timing and traffic, which ruined their timing and traffic, which ruined their timing and thwarted their plan. thwarted their plan. thwarted their plan. >> They were the gang that couldn't shoot >> They were the gang that couldn't shoot >> They were the gang that couldn't shoot straight. District Attorney David Weight straight. District Attorney David Weight straight. District Attorney David Weight says young Vanderbilt and his accomplice says young Vanderbilt and his accomplice says young Vanderbilt and his accomplice were identified by the kidnapped driver.

were identified by the kidnapped driver. were identified by the kidnapped driver. They were caught and quickly confessed. They were caught and quickly confessed. They were caught and quickly confessed. The police that took the statement, uh, The police that took the statement, uh, The police that took the statement, uh, I'm sure just sat there and just kept I'm sure just sat there and just kept I'm sure just sat there and just kept typing as fast as they could until he typing as fast as they could until he typing as fast as they could until he just stopped talking. So, it wasn't a just stopped talking. So, it wasn't a just stopped talking. So, it wasn't a probing interrogation type of thing. He probing interrogation type of thing. He probing interrogation type of thing. He just kept right on talking. Maybe he just kept right on talking. Maybe he just kept right on talking. Maybe he wanted to sound clever. wanted to sound clever. wanted to sound clever. Paul Vanderbilt, it turns out, was not a Paul Vanderbilt, it turns out, was not a Paul Vanderbilt, it turns out, was not a Vanderbilt at all, but a 20-year-old Vanderbilt at all, but a 20-year-old Vanderbilt at all, but a 20-year-old conman from the Boston area named McDev. conman from the Boston area named McDev. conman from the Boston area named McDev. Our allegedly reformed and talkative art Our allegedly reformed and talkative art Our allegedly reformed and talkative art thief, Brian McDev, suspect in the thief, Brian McDev, suspect in the thief, Brian McDev, suspect in the Gardener heist. Gardener heist. Gardener heist. >> December 1980, >> December 1980, >> December 1980, you confessed to the attempted robbery you confessed to the attempted robbery you confessed to the attempted robbery of the Hide Museum in Glenn's Falls, New of the Hide Museum in Glenn's Falls, New of the Hide Museum in Glenn's Falls, New York. Correct. York. Correct. York. Correct. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> So, you went into the museum, you cased >> So, you went into the museum, you cased >> So, you went into the museum, you cased it very carefully. it very carefully. it very carefully. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> You knew what you wanted to take from >> You knew what you wanted to take from >> You knew what you wanted to take from there. That's right. there. That's right. there. That's right. >> And what he wanted was much the same as >> And what he wanted was much the same as >> And what he wanted was much the same as was taken from the gardener Vir and was taken from the gardener Vir and was taken from the gardener Vir and Rembrandt. The gardener heist seemed to Rembrandt. The gardener heist seemed to Rembrandt. The gardener heist seemed to be a successful copycat of the botched be a successful copycat of the botched be a successful copycat of the botched hide caper disguises the way the guards hide caper disguises the way the guards hide caper disguises the way the guards were bound and gagged. The same were bound and gagged. The same were bound and gagged. The same threatening language, even the way the threatening language, even the way the threatening language, even the way the paintings were removed. Had you gotten paintings were removed. Had you gotten paintings were removed. Had you gotten away with it at the hide, what would you away with it at the hide, what would you away with it at the hide, what would you have done with the paintings? paintings have done with the paintings? paintings have done with the paintings? paintings would have been transferred to Japan and would have been transferred to Japan and would have been transferred to Japan and that's where they were going was to that's where they were going was to that's where they were going was to Tokyo.

Tokyo. Tokyo. >> The attempted robbery of the Hyde Museum >> The attempted robbery of the Hyde Museum >> The attempted robbery of the Hyde Museum seemed almost a training exercise for seemed almost a training exercise for seemed almost a training exercise for what happened ultimately at the what happened ultimately at the what happened ultimately at the gardener. Is there any suggestion that gardener. Is there any suggestion that gardener. Is there any suggestion that McDevitt is somehow involved in the McDevitt is somehow involved in the McDevitt is somehow involved in the gardener? gardener? gardener? >> Well, the two cases have similarities, >> Well, the two cases have similarities, >> Well, the two cases have similarities, but the fact remains that the FBI deals but the fact remains that the FBI deals but the fact remains that the FBI deals in evidence and speculation in evidence and speculation in evidence and speculation will never bring a person to trial. will never bring a person to trial. will never bring a person to trial. The FBI has grilled McDev exhaustively The FBI has grilled McDev exhaustively The FBI has grilled McDev exhaustively and interviewed just about everyone he and interviewed just about everyone he and interviewed just about everyone he ever knew. McDev is vague about how he ever knew. McDev is vague about how he ever knew. McDev is vague about how he makes a living, but he now lives in the makes a living, but he now lives in the makes a living, but he now lives in the Hollywood Hills where he says the FBI is Hollywood Hills where he says the FBI is Hollywood Hills where he says the FBI is watching his every move. watching his every move. watching his every move. >> Down here in the canyon, if you're >> Down here in the canyon, if you're >> Down here in the canyon, if you're lucky, you can see the FBI agents who lucky, you can see the FBI agents who lucky, you can see the FBI agents who keep watch on my house all the time. keep watch on my house all the time. keep watch on my house all the time. They're right down there. They're right down there. They're right down there. >> With his lawyer, Tom Beatatrice present, >> With his lawyer, Tom Beatatrice present, >> With his lawyer, Tom Beatatrice present, he spoke to us. Just why? We're not he spoke to us. Just why? We're not he spoke to us. Just why? We're not sure, sure, sure, >> but he is hoping to sell a screenplay he >> but he is hoping to sell a screenplay he >> but he is hoping to sell a screenplay he claims to be writing about his life claims to be writing about his life claims to be writing about his life story, which he calls Masterpiece. story, which he calls Masterpiece. story, which he calls Masterpiece. >> Brian, your name has been linked to the >> Brian, your name has been linked to the >> Brian, your name has been linked to the Gardener heist, Gardener heist, Gardener heist, >> which was the biggest art theft >> which was the biggest art theft >> which was the biggest art theft certainly in the history of this certainly in the history of this certainly in the history of this country, maybe in history.

country, maybe in history. country, maybe in history. >> Mhm. Yes. >> Mhm. Yes. >> Mhm. Yes. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> That's correct. >> That's correct. >> That's correct. >> Did you do it? >> Did you do it? >> Did you do it? >> No, I did not. >> No, I did not. >> No, I did not. >> You understand the suspicions, correct? >> You understand the suspicions, correct? >> You understand the suspicions, correct? I mean, why? I mean, why? I mean, why? >> Yes, I do. I think that the FBI would >> Yes, I do. I think that the FBI would >> Yes, I do. I think that the FBI would have been remiss uh had they not have been remiss uh had they not have been remiss uh had they not interviewed me. interviewed me. interviewed me. >> The suspicions go beyond the >> The suspicions go beyond the >> The suspicions go beyond the similarities with the hide attempt. similarities with the hide attempt. similarities with the hide attempt. Brian McDev was living in Boston at the Brian McDev was living in Boston at the Brian McDev was living in Boston at the time of the gardener robbery in this time of the gardener robbery in this time of the gardener robbery in this apartment building on Beacon Hill. His apartment building on Beacon Hill. His apartment building on Beacon Hill. His neighbors say he left town soon after neighbors say he left town soon after neighbors say he left town soon after the heist without letting anyone know. the heist without letting anyone know. the heist without letting anyone know. >> He said that he wasn't moving, that he >> He said that he wasn't moving, that he >> He said that he wasn't moving, that he was just changing his furniture. was just changing his furniture. was just changing his furniture. >> And he doesn't have an alibi for the >> And he doesn't have an alibi for the >> And he doesn't have an alibi for the morning of March 18th. It it was morning of March 18th. It it was morning of March 18th. It it was unfortunate. Um, but that's, you know, unfortunate. Um, but that's, you know, unfortunate. Um, but that's, you know, that there were also 400,000 other that there were also 400,000 other that there were also 400,000 other people that were at home alone in the people that were at home alone in the people that were at home alone in the city of Austin that night. city of Austin that night. city of Austin that night. >> Brian McDev has a history of deception >> Brian McDev has a history of deception >> Brian McDev has a history of deception and theft. He's been convicted for five and theft. He's been convicted for five and theft. He's been convicted for five felonies. Before the hide attempt, he felonies. Before the hide attempt, he felonies. Before the hide attempt, he stole at least 60,000 in cash and a stole at least 60,000 in cash and a stole at least 60,000 in cash and a 100,000 in bearer bonds from a safe 100,000 in bearer bonds from a safe 100,000 in bearer bonds from a safe deposit box in Boston. Roy Prout, a deposit box in Boston. Roy Prout, a deposit box in Boston. Roy Prout, a blood hound of an investigator for the blood hound of an investigator for the blood hound of an investigator for the Boston DA, 30 years on the job, got on Boston DA, 30 years on the job, got on Boston DA, 30 years on the job, got on McDev's trail.

McDev's trail. McDev's trail. >> Tell me what you discovered about the >> Tell me what you discovered about the >> Tell me what you discovered about the man when you went after him. man when you went after him. man when you went after him. >> Well, it was apparent uh throughout my >> Well, it was apparent uh throughout my >> Well, it was apparent uh throughout my investigation investigation investigation that uh that uh that uh most people seemed to uh feel that they most people seemed to uh feel that they most people seemed to uh feel that they were deceived by him and and and that he were deceived by him and and and that he were deceived by him and and and that he was not quite what he appeared to be. was not quite what he appeared to be. was not quite what he appeared to be. Some people that I spoke with described Some people that I spoke with described Some people that I spoke with described him as a phony. him as a phony. him as a phony. >> McDev now claims that in fleeing >> McDev now claims that in fleeing >> McDev now claims that in fleeing Detective Prout, he ended up in Brazil Detective Prout, he ended up in Brazil Detective Prout, he ended up in Brazil and fell in with an art theft rig. and fell in with an art theft rig. and fell in with an art theft rig. >> And then it was like living a James Bond >> And then it was like living a James Bond >> And then it was like living a James Bond film or It takes a thief. I mean, film or It takes a thief. I mean, film or It takes a thief. I mean, dropping him through skylights. dropping him through skylights. dropping him through skylights. >> McDev's imagination may be getting the >> McDev's imagination may be getting the >> McDev's imagination may be getting the better of him. better of him. better of him. >> The money, the cars, the women. >> The money, the cars, the women. >> The money, the cars, the women. >> He may see himself as a high society >> He may see himself as a high society >> He may see himself as a high society second story man. In fact, second story man. In fact, second story man. In fact, >> he's a garden variety con man. >> he's a garden variety con man. >> he's a garden variety con man. >> How easy was it for a guy like you who >> How easy was it for a guy like you who >> How easy was it for a guy like you who speaks pretty well, looks pretty well, speaks pretty well, looks pretty well, speaks pretty well, looks pretty well, dresses pretty well to be a con man. dresses pretty well to be a con man. dresses pretty well to be a con man. >> Easy. >> Easy. >> Easy. >> Very easy. No question about that. But >> Very easy. No question about that. But >> Very easy. No question about that. But that was when I was 19 and 20 and 21.

that was when I was 19 and 20 and 21. that was when I was 19 and 20 and 21. That was, you know, over a decade ago. That was, you know, over a decade ago. That was, you know, over a decade ago. >> McDev is now 32, living in Hollywood >> McDev is now 32, living in Hollywood >> McDev is now 32, living in Hollywood where he says he went to reinvent where he says he went to reinvent where he says he went to reinvent himself. a new clean McDev who would himself. a new clean McDev who would himself. a new clean McDev who would launch himself on a literary career or launch himself on a literary career or launch himself on a literary career or at least become a screenwriter. at least become a screenwriter. at least become a screenwriter. >> Have you ever published anything >> Have you ever published anything >> Have you ever published anything anywhere? anywhere? anywhere? >> Nope, haven't. >> Nope, haven't. >> Nope, haven't. >> But he did join the Hollywood chapter of >> But he did join the Hollywood chapter of >> But he did join the Hollywood chapter of the Writer Guild of America. They were the Writer Guild of America. They were the Writer Guild of America. They were impressed and put him in charge of impressed and put him in charge of impressed and put him in charge of grants. He linked up with a fledgling grants. He linked up with a fledgling grants. He linked up with a fledgling writer named Ben Pollock and they formed writer named Ben Pollock and they formed writer named Ben Pollock and they formed a company. But old habits die hard. came a company. But old habits die hard. came a company. But old habits die hard. came up and he told me that he was um this up and he told me that he was um this up and he told me that he was um this writer for the New Yorker and that he writer for the New Yorker and that he writer for the New Yorker and that he had won the the Hemingway award and the had won the the Hemingway award and the had won the the Hemingway award and the O'Henry award and he had written um on O'Henry award and he had written um on O'Henry award and he had written um on Hope and Glory the film and that he had Hope and Glory the film and that he had Hope and Glory the film and that he had ghost wrote soap dish and that he had ghost wrote soap dish and that he had ghost wrote soap dish and that he had done several television shows. done several television shows. done several television shows. >> Ben Pollock became curious and did some >> Ben Pollock became curious and did some >> Ben Pollock became curious and did some research and found his resume to be pure research and found his resume to be pure research and found his resume to be pure fiction. fiction. fiction. >> McDev told me uh to basically don't tell >> McDev told me uh to basically don't tell >> McDev told me uh to basically don't tell anybody what you found out about me. You anybody what you found out about me. You anybody what you found out about me. You do not want to make me unhappy. You're do not want to make me unhappy. You're do not want to make me unhappy. You're not I'm not the kind of person who you not I'm not the kind of person who you not I'm not the kind of person who you want to get mad. So, it was just want to get mad. So, it was just want to get mad. So, it was just frightening. It was an implied threat.

frightening. It was an implied threat. frightening. It was an implied threat. >> One, you thought there was a serious >> One, you thought there was a serious >> One, you thought there was a serious one. one. one. >> Yeah, absolutely. I mean, this is here's >> Yeah, absolutely. I mean, this is here's >> Yeah, absolutely. I mean, this is here's a guy who I thought was Robert Kennedy, a guy who I thought was Robert Kennedy, a guy who I thought was Robert Kennedy, all of a sudden now he's Jeffrey Dmer. I all of a sudden now he's Jeffrey Dmer. I all of a sudden now he's Jeffrey Dmer. I mean, it was a frightening, frightening mean, it was a frightening, frightening mean, it was a frightening, frightening situation for me. situation for me. situation for me. >> If we hooked you up to a lie detector >> If we hooked you up to a lie detector >> If we hooked you up to a lie detector right now, Brian, how do you think you'd right now, Brian, how do you think you'd right now, Brian, how do you think you'd fair? fair? fair? >> I'd pass without a sh beyond a shadow of >> I'd pass without a sh beyond a shadow of >> I'd pass without a sh beyond a shadow of a doubt. Did the FBI ever suggest that a doubt. Did the FBI ever suggest that a doubt. Did the FBI ever suggest that in the course of their investigation? in the course of their investigation? in the course of their investigation? >> They suggested it. Um, we discussed it >> They suggested it. Um, we discussed it >> They suggested it. Um, we discussed it and we decided not to take it just based and we decided not to take it just based and we decided not to take it just based on the fact that it's considered on the fact that it's considered on the fact that it's considered unreliable. We just couldn't take that unreliable. We just couldn't take that unreliable. We just couldn't take that chance. chance. chance. The FBI continues to press McDivet, but The FBI continues to press McDivet, but The FBI continues to press McDivet, but clearly has nothing solid to pin on him. clearly has nothing solid to pin on him. clearly has nothing solid to pin on him. As for McDev himself, you never know As for McDev himself, you never know As for McDev himself, you never know when, if ever, to believe anything he when, if ever, to believe anything he when, if ever, to believe anything he says. You do get the distinct feeling says. You do get the distinct feeling says. You do get the distinct feeling that he wants you to believe he did that he wants you to believe he did that he wants you to believe he did steal the paintings. Conmen are a steal the paintings. Conmen are a steal the paintings. Conmen are a strange breed. strange breed. strange breed. As for the gardener, under the terms of As for the gardener, under the terms of As for the gardener, under the terms of Mrs. Gardener's will, the paintings must Mrs. Gardener's will, the paintings must Mrs. Gardener's will, the paintings must never be rearranged. So the museum never be rearranged. So the museum never be rearranged. So the museum trying its best has left a space and a trying its best has left a space and a trying its best has left a space and a card where once Vermier and Rembrandt card where once Vermier and Rembrandt card where once Vermier and Rembrandt were hanging.

were hanging. were hanging. Empty spaces filled with possibilities. Empty spaces filled with possibilities. Empty spaces filled with possibilities. >> By the way, what'd you do with the >> By the way, what'd you do with the >> By the way, what'd you do with the paintings? [laughter] paintings? [laughter] paintings? [laughter] >> I you know I as I said I don't know what >> I you know I as I said I don't know what >> I you know I as I said I don't know what happened to the paintings. I think that happened to the paintings. I think that happened to the paintings. I think that uh outside of the fact that they're in a uh outside of the fact that they're in a uh outside of the fact that they're in a they're with a collector now and and they're with a collector now and and they're with a collector now and and that's it. that's it. that's it. Are they? Or did a small-time conman Are they? Or did a small-time conman Are they? Or did a small-time conman really pull off the heist of the really pull off the heist of the really pull off the heist of the century? And could he be sitting on a century? And could he be sitting on a century? And could he be sitting on a stash worth 200 million with no place to stash worth 200 million with no place to stash worth 200 million with no place to sell it? The next time you go to the grocery The next time you go to the grocery store and find the prices out of sight, store and find the prices out of sight, store and find the prices out of sight, or try to rent office space and find it or try to rent office space and find it or try to rent office space and find it will cost you an arm and a leg, or you will cost you an arm and a leg, or you will cost you an arm and a leg, or you find your car insurance bill keeps going find your car insurance bill keeps going find your car insurance bill keeps going up year after year, it may be that it's up year after year, it may be that it's up year after year, it may be that it's not just inflation that is putting a not just inflation that is putting a not just inflation that is putting a crimp in your pocketbook. Because there crimp in your pocketbook. Because there crimp in your pocketbook. Because there is a new style of burglar operating all is a new style of burglar operating all is a new style of burglar operating all over the country who may also be adding over the country who may also be adding over the country who may also be adding to your cost of living. These burglars to your cost of living. These burglars to your cost of living. These burglars are stealing farm and construction are stealing farm and construction are stealing farm and construction equipment and the billions they are equipment and the billions they are equipment and the billions they are getting away with are being passed on to getting away with are being passed on to getting away with are being passed on to consumers in higher food bills, higher consumers in higher food bills, higher consumers in higher food bills, higher insurance fees, and higher rents and insurance fees, and higher rents and insurance fees, and higher rents and construction costs. As we said, it's a construction costs. As we said, it's a construction costs. As we said, it's a nationwide problem. But one of the nationwide problem. But one of the nationwide problem. But one of the places where it is most acute is places where it is most acute is places where it is most acute is Houston, Texas, where cat burglars, Houston, Texas, where cat burglars, Houston, Texas, where cat burglars, robbers who steal heavy equipment such robbers who steal heavy equipment such robbers who steal heavy equipment such as Caterpillar bulldozers and tractors as Caterpillar bulldozers and tractors as Caterpillar bulldozers and tractors and backhole loaders are in the machine and backhole loaders are in the machine and backhole loaders are in the machine rustling business. Like unbranded

rustling business. Like unbranded rustling business. Like unbranded cattle, machines are an easy mark. This cattle, machines are an easy mark. This cattle, machines are an easy mark. This is a case 580C backhole loader. One way is a case 580C backhole loader. One way is a case 580C backhole loader. One way to start it, you simply take something to start it, you simply take something to start it, you simply take something like a knife or any piece of metal, put like a knife or any piece of metal, put like a knife or any piece of metal, put it across two post on the solenoid above it across two post on the solenoid above it across two post on the solenoid above the starting engine the starting engine the starting engine and presto. It's that easy to start it. and presto. It's that easy to start it. and presto. It's that easy to start it. But if you don't know that, all you have But if you don't know that, all you have But if you don't know that, all you have to know is how easy it is to get keys to to know is how easy it is to get keys to to know is how easy it is to get keys to these things. Now, one key is said to these things. Now, one key is said to these things. Now, one key is said to fit any Ford tractor manufactured over fit any Ford tractor manufactured over fit any Ford tractor manufactured over the last 20 years. Two keys, either one the last 20 years. Two keys, either one the last 20 years. Two keys, either one of these two, will start just about any of these two, will start just about any of these two, will start just about any piece of case heavy equipment. piece of case heavy equipment. piece of case heavy equipment. But even if you don't have the keys, you But even if you don't have the keys, you But even if you don't have the keys, you can just crawl in and take a pin knife. can just crawl in and take a pin knife. can just crawl in and take a pin knife. This shows you how easy it is to start This shows you how easy it is to start This shows you how easy it is to start one of these things and get away with one of these things and get away with one of these things and get away with it. You wouldn't believe it unless you it. You wouldn't believe it unless you it. You wouldn't believe it unless you did it yourself. You just take a pin did it yourself. You just take a pin did it yourself. You just take a pin knife, knife, knife, put it in the ignition put it in the ignition put it in the ignition and presto. and presto. and presto. You can start it right up and within a You can start it right up and within a You can start it right up and within a matter of just minutes, seconds really.

matter of just minutes, seconds really. matter of just minutes, seconds really. Can pull it away and load it up on a Can pull it away and load it up on a Can pull it away and load it up on a truck, be all ready to go. This backhole truck, be all ready to go. This backhole truck, be all ready to go. This backhole loader is the most stolen piece of loader is the most stolen piece of loader is the most stolen piece of construction equipment in the country. construction equipment in the country. construction equipment in the country. It's worth about $30,000. It's worth about $30,000. It's worth about $30,000. Also on the most stolen list, wheel Also on the most stolen list, wheel Also on the most stolen list, wheel loaders worth about $60,000 or track loaders worth about $60,000 or track loaders worth about $60,000 or track loaders $100,000 loaders $100,000 loaders $100,000 or this bulldozer $200,000. or this bulldozer $200,000. or this bulldozer $200,000. And where does a piece of stolen heavy And where does a piece of stolen heavy And where does a piece of stolen heavy equipment go? Often that depends on equipment go? Often that depends on equipment go? Often that depends on whose order is being filled. Since this whose order is being filled. Since this whose order is being filled. Since this is so much a steal to order business, is so much a steal to order business, is so much a steal to order business, you might be surprised who is giving the you might be surprised who is giving the you might be surprised who is giving the orders to thieves like Royce orders to thieves like Royce orders to thieves like Royce Featherston, who has stolen over a Featherston, who has stolen over a Featherston, who has stolen over a million dollars worth of heavy million dollars worth of heavy million dollars worth of heavy equipment. Uh I won't give his name but equipment. Uh I won't give his name but equipment. Uh I won't give his name but he was a professor at one of the he was a professor at one of the he was a professor at one of the universities at a farm and he wanted a universities at a farm and he wanted a universities at a farm and he wanted a farm tractor. farm tractor. farm tractor. So he paid such a good price for it. I So he paid such a good price for it. I So he paid such a good price for it. I thought why go out and go to all the thought why go out and go to all the thought why go out and go to all the trouble of passing checks when I can trouble of passing checks when I can trouble of passing checks when I can steal one piece of equipment and do it steal one piece of equipment and do it steal one piece of equipment and do it all in one week. What was the tractor all in one week. What was the tractor all in one week. What was the tractor worth? Pro approximately oh 12,000 then worth? Pro approximately oh 12,000 then worth? Pro approximately oh 12,000 then tractor and trailer. I turned around and tractor and trailer. I turned around and tractor and trailer. I turned around and sold it for 4,000 then. Featherston, sold it for 4,000 then. Featherston, sold it for 4,000 then. Featherston, caught for the second time after caught for the second time after caught for the second time after stealing five pig tractors, is now stealing five pig tractors, is now stealing five pig tractors, is now serving a 5-year sentence at Darington serving a 5-year sentence at Darington serving a 5-year sentence at Darington Prison Farm outside Houston. You see, Prison Farm outside Houston. You see, Prison Farm outside Houston. You see, what I find difficult to believe, let me what I find difficult to believe, let me what I find difficult to believe, let me be candid with you.

be candid with you. be candid with you. >> Sure, is that a college professor would >> Sure, is that a college professor would >> Sure, is that a college professor would have anything to do with that kind of have anything to do with that kind of have anything to do with that kind of operation? operation? operation? >> Uh, you'd find it harder to believe some >> Uh, you'd find it harder to believe some >> Uh, you'd find it harder to believe some of the people that are buying the stuff of the people that are buying the stuff of the people that are buying the stuff nowadays, besides college professors, nowadays, besides college professors, nowadays, besides college professors, >> buying stolen goods. >> buying stolen goods. >> buying stolen goods. >> Oh, sure. >> Oh, sure. >> Oh, sure. >> Well, give me an example. >> Well, give me an example. >> Well, give me an example. >> Chairman of the board of one of the >> Chairman of the board of one of the >> Chairman of the board of one of the biggest savings and loans. As in most biggest savings and loans. As in most biggest savings and loans. As in most wellorganized rackets of this type, you wellorganized rackets of this type, you wellorganized rackets of this type, you need a middleman, a fence, literally to need a middleman, a fence, literally to need a middleman, a fence, literally to move this heavy equipment to its final move this heavy equipment to its final move this heavy equipment to its final destination. The middleman buys it from destination. The middleman buys it from destination. The middleman buys it from the thief and then resells it at a the thief and then resells it at a the thief and then resells it at a fraction of its real worth. This man, a fraction of its real worth. This man, a fraction of its real worth. This man, a veteran fence of 30 years, who asked not veteran fence of 30 years, who asked not veteran fence of 30 years, who asked not to be identified, has been dealing to be identified, has been dealing to be identified, has been dealing almost exclusively in stolen heavy almost exclusively in stolen heavy almost exclusively in stolen heavy equipment for well over a year now and equipment for well over a year now and equipment for well over a year now and is out on bond awaiting trial. He has is out on bond awaiting trial. He has is out on bond awaiting trial. He has moved 50 pieces of equipment in one moved 50 pieces of equipment in one moved 50 pieces of equipment in one year. But in round figures, how much year. But in round figures, how much year. But in round figures, how much would that equipment have been worth? would that equipment have been worth? would that equipment have been worth? One year's worth, 50 pieces. One year's worth, 50 pieces. One year's worth, 50 pieces. >> I say $350,000 to me. >> I say $350,000 to me. >> I say $350,000 to me. >> That of course is taxfree. >> That of course is taxfree. >> That of course is taxfree. >> I should hope so. >> I should hope so. >> I should hope so. >> Equipment frequently is stolen as part >> Equipment frequently is stolen as part >> Equipment frequently is stolen as part of insurance fraud schemes. An equipment of insurance fraud schemes. An equipment of insurance fraud schemes. An equipment owner might move his bulldozer from one owner might move his bulldozer from one owner might move his bulldozer from one site, deliver it elsewhere, or even hide site, deliver it elsewhere, or even hide site, deliver it elsewhere, or even hide it, then report it stolen. All to it, then report it stolen. All to it, then report it stolen. All to collect the insurance. Insurance collect the insurance. Insurance collect the insurance. Insurance companies pay claims so quickly in many companies pay claims so quickly in many companies pay claims so quickly in many cases that owners and thieves know it's cases that owners and thieves know it's cases that owners and thieves know it's a quick way to make a buck. Out of every a quick way to make a buck. Out of every a quick way to make a buck. Out of every 50 pieces of equipment stolen, based on 50 pieces of equipment stolen, based on 50 pieces of equipment stolen, based on your experience, how many would you say your experience, how many would you say your experience, how many would you say were stolen for insurance fraud were stolen for insurance fraud were stolen for insurance fraud purposes?

purposes? purposes? >> I would say probably 50% of them. In >> I would say probably 50% of them. In >> I would say probably 50% of them. In other words, 25 of the units. other words, 25 of the units. other words, 25 of the units. >> That high. >> That high. >> That high. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> With so much equipment being moved, we >> With so much equipment being moved, we >> With so much equipment being moved, we ask Royce Featherson how he entered the ask Royce Featherson how he entered the ask Royce Featherson how he entered the various sites to do the stealing. various sites to do the stealing. various sites to do the stealing. >> Well, that's no problem. Most places >> Well, that's no problem. Most places >> Well, that's no problem. Most places aren't even fenced. If they're fenced, I aren't even fenced. If they're fenced, I aren't even fenced. If they're fenced, I just cut the fence. just cut the fence. just cut the fence. >> But most places have a guard, [snorts] >> But most places have a guard, [snorts] >> But most places have a guard, [snorts] do they know? Yes, but you can find out do they know? Yes, but you can find out do they know? Yes, but you can find out what their op what their schedule is. what their op what their schedule is. what their op what their schedule is. They'll come back on their scheduled They'll come back on their scheduled They'll come back on their scheduled time, but by then we're gone. time, but by then we're gone. time, but by then we're gone. >> Well, you make it sound very easy. >> Well, you make it sound very easy. >> Well, you make it sound very easy. >> Well, I tell you what, I'd rather be out >> Well, I tell you what, I'd rather be out >> Well, I tell you what, I'd rather be out stealing a piece of equipment than doing stealing a piece of equipment than doing stealing a piece of equipment than doing this right now. this right now. this right now. >> It's easier. >> It's easier. >> It's easier. >> It's easier. >> It's easier. >> It's easier. >> Ray Higgins, a construction >> Ray Higgins, a construction >> Ray Higgins, a construction superintendent in Houston, had a tractor superintendent in Houston, had a tractor superintendent in Houston, had a tractor stolen from his job site. stolen from his job site. stolen from his job site. >> We never have recovered it. It's worth >> We never have recovered it. It's worth >> We never have recovered it. It's worth about $18,000. about $18,000. about $18,000. We lost another tractor off of the other We lost another tractor off of the other We lost another tractor off of the other job one night. job one night. job one night. Trling machines and everything. The Trling machines and everything. The Trling machines and everything. The whole complete job was taken and it was whole complete job was taken and it was whole complete job was taken and it was worth $30ome,000 on the whole deal.

worth $30ome,000 on the whole deal. worth $30ome,000 on the whole deal. We have one more job that we lost a We have one more job that we lost a We have one more job that we lost a tractor off of. They cut the fence, tractor off of. They cut the fence, tractor off of. They cut the fence, drove it through the back of the drove it through the back of the drove it through the back of the property, and we never have recovered property, and we never have recovered property, and we never have recovered any of this stuff. Since large tractors any of this stuff. Since large tractors any of this stuff. Since large tractors and bulldozers are so expensive to buy, and bulldozers are so expensive to buy, and bulldozers are so expensive to buy, many users rent them from contractors many users rent them from contractors many users rent them from contractors like Bice Barry, who told us he has had like Bice Barry, who told us he has had like Bice Barry, who told us he has had 10 tractors stolen from him. Only two 10 tractors stolen from him. Only two 10 tractors stolen from him. Only two were insured. We asked him how much that were insured. We asked him how much that were insured. We asked him how much that loss was worth. Probably in the loss was worth. Probably in the loss was worth. Probably in the neighborhood of 600 or $700,000 over a neighborhood of 600 or $700,000 over a neighborhood of 600 or $700,000 over a period of time. period of time. period of time. >> 6 or 700,000. >> 6 or 700,000. >> 6 or 700,000. >> Total loss of machine and downtime and >> Total loss of machine and downtime and >> Total loss of machine and downtime and production loss. Our cost over the production loss. Our cost over the production loss. Our cost over the period of time has been raised on period of time has been raised on period of time has been raised on rentals probably 10% overall in in our rentals probably 10% overall in in our rentals probably 10% overall in in our cost to our customers. The customers cost to our customers. The customers cost to our customers. The customers have to pay that and pass it on. It's have to pay that and pass it on. It's have to pay that and pass it on. It's just the way the economy is. just the way the economy is. just the way the economy is. >> If your backhole loader is stolen here >> If your backhole loader is stolen here >> If your backhole loader is stolen here in Houston, there is only one detective in Houston, there is only one detective in Houston, there is only one detective in the Houston Police Department in the Houston Police Department in the Houston Police Department available to track it down for you. available to track it down for you. available to track it down for you. >> Oh, okay. Now, that's on the tractor >> Oh, okay. Now, that's on the tractor >> Oh, okay. Now, that's on the tractor that he recovered out of a coffee. that he recovered out of a coffee. that he recovered out of a coffee. >> He is Detective Bob Olsen, who has been >> He is Detective Bob Olsen, who has been >> He is Detective Bob Olsen, who has been covering this beat for 4 years. covering this beat for 4 years. covering this beat for 4 years. >> We went with Olsson to a freight depot, >> We went with Olsson to a freight depot, >> We went with Olsson to a freight depot, which was thought to handle stolen which was thought to handle stolen which was thought to handle stolen equipment. We looked at a tractor equipment. We looked at a tractor equipment. We looked at a tractor awaiting shipment out of the country and awaiting shipment out of the country and awaiting shipment out of the country and asked him if there were reason to asked him if there were reason to asked him if there were reason to believe it had been stolen. Yes, sir. Uh believe it had been stolen. Yes, sir. Uh believe it had been stolen. Yes, sir. Uh myself and some other officers have myself and some other officers have myself and some other officers have looked it over and and all the numbers looked it over and and all the numbers looked it over and and all the numbers have been removed.

have been removed. have been removed. >> Now, straight talk. Do you think this >> Now, straight talk. Do you think this >> Now, straight talk. Do you think this piece of equipment is hot? piece of equipment is hot? piece of equipment is hot? >> I would suspect. >> I would suspect. >> I would suspect. >> Is there anything else you can do about >> Is there anything else you can do about >> Is there anything else you can do about it? [clears throat] it? [clears throat] it? [clears throat] >> No, sir. >> No, sir. >> No, sir. >> Detective Olson can't do anything about >> Detective Olson can't do anything about >> Detective Olson can't do anything about his suspicions because first off, there his suspicions because first off, there his suspicions because first off, there are no proper serial numbers on this are no proper serial numbers on this are no proper serial numbers on this equipment to help him trace the rightful equipment to help him trace the rightful equipment to help him trace the rightful owner. Unlike cars or trucks, serial owner. Unlike cars or trucks, serial owner. Unlike cars or trucks, serial numbers are not stamped into the metal numbers are not stamped into the metal numbers are not stamped into the metal on all machines. That's why thieves find on all machines. That's why thieves find on all machines. That's why thieves find it so easy to change or remove them. But it so easy to change or remove them. But it so easy to change or remove them. But Olsson also can't do anything because Olsson also can't do anything because Olsson also can't do anything because there is no paperwork trail, no titling there is no paperwork trail, no titling there is no paperwork trail, no titling or registration. If you bought a or registration. If you bought a or registration. If you bought a old 50 50 model Chevrolet for say $50 to old 50 50 model Chevrolet for say $50 to old 50 50 model Chevrolet for say $50 to $100, $100, $100, you wouldn't consider buying that you wouldn't consider buying that you wouldn't consider buying that vehicle if you weren't given a title to vehicle if you weren't given a title to vehicle if you weren't given a title to it. If that particular vehicle is stolen If that particular vehicle is stolen from you, it's got plates on it, it's from you, it's got plates on it, it's from you, it's got plates on it, it's rolling down the road, an officer can rolling down the road, an officer can rolling down the road, an officer can pick up a microphone in his police car, pick up a microphone in his police car, pick up a microphone in his police car, check the license plates on that check the license plates on that check the license plates on that vehicle.

vehicle. vehicle. If a piece of heavy equipment's rolling If a piece of heavy equipment's rolling If a piece of heavy equipment's rolling down the road, down the road, down the road, the officer has nothing that he can the officer has nothing that he can the officer has nothing that he can check on. check on. check on. >> There's no license plate required for >> There's no license plate required for >> There's no license plate required for it. No license plate, no registration, it. No license plate, no registration, it. No license plate, no registration, >> and that makes recoveries of stolen >> and that makes recoveries of stolen >> and that makes recoveries of stolen pieces virtually impossible. Only one pieces virtually impossible. Only one pieces virtually impossible. Only one out of 10 compared with seven out of 10 out of 10 compared with seven out of 10 out of 10 compared with seven out of 10 for stolen automobiles and trucks. for stolen automobiles and trucks. for stolen automobiles and trucks. Sometimes the stolen equipment crosses Sometimes the stolen equipment crosses Sometimes the stolen equipment crosses state lines, but the FBI places little state lines, but the FBI places little state lines, but the FBI places little priority on trying to stop it. And priority on trying to stop it. And priority on trying to stop it. And sometimes it moves through the port of sometimes it moves through the port of sometimes it moves through the port of Houston, bound for countries around the Houston, bound for countries around the Houston, bound for countries around the world where it brings a far higher world where it brings a far higher world where it brings a far higher price. A lot of it goes overland from price. A lot of it goes overland from price. A lot of it goes overland from Houston to Mexico. Houston to Mexico. Houston to Mexico. probably 30 or 40% at least. probably 30 or 40% at least. probably 30 or 40% at least. >> Do you think it's that high a percent? >> Do you think it's that high a percent? >> Do you think it's that high a percent? >> I believe it's le that's probably >> I believe it's le that's probably >> I believe it's le that's probably conservative. conservative. conservative. >> In a matter of only a few moments, a >> In a matter of only a few moments, a >> In a matter of only a few moments, a truck can be loaded and driving out of truck can be loaded and driving out of truck can be loaded and driving out of Houston headed south for the 375 mile Houston headed south for the 375 mile Houston headed south for the 375 mile ride to the Mexican border near ride to the Mexican border near ride to the Mexican border near Macallen, Texas. Few police patrol here Macallen, Texas. Few police patrol here Macallen, Texas. Few police patrol here and there are no truck weigh-in scales and there are no truck weigh-in scales and there are no truck weigh-in scales to delay the hauler. So if this were a to delay the hauler. So if this were a to delay the hauler. So if this were a stolen backhole loader, this particular stolen backhole loader, this particular stolen backhole loader, this particular one isn't, it could move practically one isn't, it could move practically one isn't, it could move practically unnoticed right down to the border.

unnoticed right down to the border. unnoticed right down to the border. >> The Mexican border checkpoint at >> The Mexican border checkpoint at >> The Mexican border checkpoint at Macallen, Texas is typical. Keep in mind Macallen, Texas is typical. Keep in mind Macallen, Texas is typical. Keep in mind that it is conservatively estimated that that it is conservatively estimated that that it is conservatively estimated that $250 million worth of heavy farm and $250 million worth of heavy farm and $250 million worth of heavy farm and construction equipment pass into Mexico construction equipment pass into Mexico construction equipment pass into Mexico each year. How much of that is stolen each year. How much of that is stolen each year. How much of that is stolen equipment? Nobody knows. We do know that equipment? Nobody knows. We do know that equipment? Nobody knows. We do know that a lot of it is. And the concern of a lot of it is. And the concern of a lot of it is. And the concern of officials is rising because it's just so officials is rising because it's just so officials is rising because it's just so easy to move the big stuff into Mexico. easy to move the big stuff into Mexico. easy to move the big stuff into Mexico. All a trucker need to do is fill out an All a trucker need to do is fill out an All a trucker need to do is fill out an SED. That's a shipper export SED. That's a shipper export SED. That's a shipper export declaration. The primary purpose of this declaration. The primary purpose of this declaration. The primary purpose of this is to compile statistics for the is to compile statistics for the is to compile statistics for the Commerce Department. So a trucker can Commerce Department. So a trucker can Commerce Department. So a trucker can tell the truth about what he is hauling tell the truth about what he is hauling tell the truth about what he is hauling or he can lie. It is not within the or he can lie. It is not within the or he can lie. It is not within the jurisdiction of the US Customs to check jurisdiction of the US Customs to check jurisdiction of the US Customs to check it out. So for the trucker hauling it out. So for the trucker hauling it out. So for the trucker hauling stolen equipment, he can just keep on stolen equipment, he can just keep on stolen equipment, he can just keep on trucking right onto foreign soil. Now on trucking right onto foreign soil. Now on trucking right onto foreign soil. Now on the other side is where he could have a the other side is where he could have a the other side is where he could have a problem. The Mexican federalis are problem. The Mexican federalis are problem. The Mexican federalis are supposed to check out the equipment. So supposed to check out the equipment. So supposed to check out the equipment. So how do the thieves deal with the how do the thieves deal with the how do the thieves deal with the federalis? federalis? federalis? >> Well, you go through connections at the >> Well, you go through connections at the >> Well, you go through connections at the border and you make your deals ahead of border and you make your deals ahead of border and you make your deals ahead of time. You either pay for it or you trade time. You either pay for it or you trade time. You either pay for it or you trade them merchandise for the favors of them merchandise for the favors of them merchandise for the favors of moving it in. We carried on four moving it in. We carried on four moving it in. We carried on four vehicles, three new Broncos and one new vehicles, three new Broncos and one new vehicles, three new Broncos and one new four-wheel drive pickup. And they were four-wheel drive pickup. And they were four-wheel drive pickup. And they were already ordered to let machinery come already ordered to let machinery come already ordered to let machinery come across.

across. across. >> To whom did those vehicles go? >> To whom did those vehicles go? >> To whom did those vehicles go? >> Straight to the Federalist. >> Straight to the Federalist. >> Straight to the Federalist. >> Now, there are some small steps being >> Now, there are some small steps being >> Now, there are some small steps being taken to counter this kind of theft. taken to counter this kind of theft. taken to counter this kind of theft. Lightweight equipment, for example, is Lightweight equipment, for example, is Lightweight equipment, for example, is sometimes suspended at the end of each sometimes suspended at the end of each sometimes suspended at the end of each day from giant cranes. Security fences, day from giant cranes. Security fences, day from giant cranes. Security fences, although they don't always work, are although they don't always work, are although they don't always work, are being erected. Special locks, so you being erected. Special locks, so you being erected. Special locks, so you can't steal that equipment quite so can't steal that equipment quite so can't steal that equipment quite so easily, are being tried. And some owners easily, are being tried. And some owners easily, are being tried. And some owners are marking their equipment in more are marking their equipment in more are marking their equipment in more identifiable ways with decals or identifiable ways with decals or identifiable ways with decals or individual numbers or with a special individual numbers or with a special individual numbers or with a special paint job. But so far, nothing seems to paint job. But so far, nothing seems to paint job. But so far, nothing seems to work. In your best year, how many cases work. In your best year, how many cases work. In your best year, how many cases have you made have you made have you made >> against the people that have bought it? >> against the people that have bought it? >> against the people that have bought it? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Uh, two. >> Uh, two. >> Uh, two. >> $21 million worth of equipment stolen >> $21 million worth of equipment stolen >> $21 million worth of equipment stolen one year. And you made two cases on the one year. And you made two cases on the one year. And you made two cases on the buyers. buyers. buyers. >> That's correct. >> That's correct. >> That's correct. >> How many cases in your best year have >> How many cases in your best year have >> How many cases in your best year have you made against the actual thief? you made against the actual thief? you made against the actual thief? >> About 12. >> About 12. >> About 12. So, what to do about all this theft? So, what to do about all this theft? So, what to do about all this theft? Well, it appears that the key to the Well, it appears that the key to the Well, it appears that the key to the problem so far is very much like that problem so far is very much like that problem so far is very much like that key used to start up all the same key used to start up all the same key used to start up all the same tractors and backhole loaders. It is for tractors and backhole loaders. It is for tractors and backhole loaders. It is for the convenience of the people doing the convenience of the people doing the convenience of the people doing business, and no one seems to be able to business, and no one seems to be able to business, and no one seems to be able to agree on the ideal solution. One agree on the ideal solution. One agree on the ideal solution. One possible remedy, law officers say, is possible remedy, law officers say, is possible remedy, law officers say, is registration. But some manufacturers and registration. But some manufacturers and registration. But some manufacturers and contractors resist registration, contractors resist registration, contractors resist registration, contending that registration would mean contending that registration would mean contending that registration would mean more government control, more more government control, more more government control, more bureaucracy, and more paperwork.

bureaucracy, and more paperwork. bureaucracy, and more paperwork. Manufacturers also resist it, lawmen Manufacturers also resist it, lawmen Manufacturers also resist it, lawmen tell us, because registration could mean tell us, because registration could mean tell us, because registration could mean stricter enforcement of environmental stricter enforcement of environmental stricter enforcement of environmental standards, as well as letting standards, as well as letting standards, as well as letting competitors know just how much equipment competitors know just how much equipment competitors know just how much equipment they produced and sold every year. they produced and sold every year. they produced and sold every year. Registration would mean also that Registration would mean also that Registration would mean also that manufacturers could no longer sell, say, manufacturers could no longer sell, say, manufacturers could no longer sell, say, a 1980 machine in 1985 as a new model. a 1980 machine in 1985 as a new model. a 1980 machine in 1985 as a new model. and at much higher prices with no one and at much higher prices with no one and at much higher prices with no one the wiser. As for some of the the wiser. As for some of the the wiser. As for some of the contractors under registration, they contractors under registration, they contractors under registration, they would have to admit to the tax man how would have to admit to the tax man how would have to admit to the tax man how much equipment they actually owned. All much equipment they actually owned. All much equipment they actually owned. All of that would add up to more money out of that would add up to more money out of that would add up to more money out of pocket for the people who make, sell, of pocket for the people who make, sell, of pocket for the people who make, sell, and use this equipment. So, what is the and use this equipment. So, what is the and use this equipment. So, what is the answer? Well, what one pending answer? Well, what one pending answer? Well, what one pending congressional bill would do, and all congressional bill would do, and all congressional bill would do, and all that it would do, is begin a study of that it would do, is begin a study of that it would do, is begin a study of ways to combat heavy equipment theft ways to combat heavy equipment theft ways to combat heavy equipment theft nationwide. But many equipment nationwide. But many equipment nationwide. But many equipment manufacturers and dealers and users are manufacturers and dealers and users are manufacturers and dealers and users are lobbying hard against that bill and lobbying hard against that bill and lobbying hard against that bill and appear to be beating it. Apparently, appear to be beating it. Apparently, appear to be beating it. Apparently, they fear government and taxes more than they fear government and taxes more than they fear government and taxes more than they fear the thieves.