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OREM — It's not very often police detectives get a suspect to pose in the surveillance camera, but that's what a burglary suspect in Orem did in a moment that was clearly unintentional.
Even though he destroyed the camera after it captured his image, the photo is now going viral on social media.
Orem police say the man has broken into the laundry rooms at three student apartment complexes in south Orem in the vicinity of Utah Valley University, beginning on Aug. 6.
According to Lt. Craig Martinez from the Orem Police Department, he's targeting the coins and cash in the machines and valuables left behind by students.
“He’s causing a lot of damage these apartment complexes are having to fix, students are missing things," Martinez said. "So it's somebody running around these student complexes. This guy knows what he is going for.”
The surveillance footage leads police to believe the man is acting alone.
Now police hope his "surveillance selfie" will help them quickly solve the case.
"The other video we posted is a color video of him, so we are hoping someone recognizes this guy," Martinez said. "Our detectives and officers are still following up on leads, but the public, if they can help us out, that would be great," Martinez said.
Police said it is possible the suspect will turn himself in now that his picture has been broadcast.
If you have any information about the man's identity or whereabouts, you can call Orem police at 801-229-7070.
