Police search for ninja thief involved in KFC robbery

NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- A ninja-like thief robbed a South Florida fast food restaurant, and police believe there's a connection to a very similar crime.

Late Sunday night or early Monday morning, a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in North Miami Beach, located off Northeast 162nd Street and 15th Avenue, was robbed.

Police said the crook got into the restaurant using some sort of crowbar to pry open the back door. Once inside, he went straight for the safe.

What concerns police is that this may not be an isolated incident. Several weeks ago, a Kentucky Friend Chicken located off 138th Street and Biscayne Boulevard was also robbed. The thief in that incident also broke in through the back door and went for the safe as well, which was cut open.

"It's terrible," said Angel Ortiz, a concerned customer. "A neighborhood like this. I mean, lately, it's been getting worse, the economy."

Customers who arrived at the KFC were stunned. In both cases, police said between $5,000 and $7,000 was taken from the safe. "Seven grand." said Ortiz. "That's a lot of money, like I said. Times are tough, people are desperate. The ninja uniform, I think maybe the dude is a little off his rocker."

If you have any information on the ninja thief, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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