Thief caught on video stealing drones from Van Nuys business

VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles police are hoping surveillance video will lead to the arrest of a man suspected of stealing drones from three separate locations.

The latest burglary occurred at PiroFlip RC in the 16200 block of Victory Boulevard in Van Nuys on Monday at about 5 p.m.

Police say the suspect walked in with a broken drone and inquired about the cost of fixing it. While one employee was checking on the cost of replacement parts and labor, the other employee began helping customers. That's when the suspect took two drones worth $22,000 off the shelf and fled the scene, leaving the broken drone behind.

Employees ran after the suspect once they realized they'd been robbed.

"We tried to chase after him, but by that time he was already in a car that was waiting for him around the corner," said employee Kyle Hidalgo. "He just hopped into the passenger seat and they took off out of the parking lot, and we weren't able to get a license plate or anything. All we know is that it was a black Volkswagen Jetta."

The same suspect has also targeted Robin's Hobby in Burbank and a third store in the San Fernando Valley.

If you recognize the suspect, you're asked to call the Los Angeles Police Department's West Valley Station.