Thief Cuts Through Wall to Steal Art, Jewelry and Surveillence Camera

Dec. 24, 2010 — -- A thief in New York City has pulled off an elaborate art heist, allegedly cutting through an apartment wall and stealing several pieces of rare art, jewelry and even the surveillance camera that likely recorded the theft.

The New York Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating the thief, who they say committed the crimes sometime over Thanksgiving weekend, between Nov. 24 and Nov. 28.

The owner of the artwork has been identified by the New York Post as 49-year-old Robert Romanoff, the president of the the Nebraska Meat Corp., a successful meat distributor based in New Jersey.

Calls made to Romanoff by ABC News were not immediately returned, but according to public records, Romanoff owns the building on Ganesvoort Street in Manhattan's trendy Meatpacking District, where the burglary is said to have occurred.

"An unknown suspect broke through a hallway wall into the apartment and removed artwork, watches and other jewelry," said a NYPD spokesman. "A video recorder attached to surveillance cameras inside the apartment also was taken."

Among the artwork were limited edition pieces by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichenstein and Carl Fudge. Warhol's "The Truck" and "Superman" were both stolen, as was a set of eight signed prints by Warhol, known as "Camouflage."

Lichenstein's "Thinking Nude" and "Moonscape," as well as Fudge's "Live Cat" oil painting were also taken.

According to the Post, the jewelry stolen included Rolex and Cartier watches. The total value is reported to be around $750,000.