A burglar was caught red-handed making a midnight run to Robert DeNiro’s home on the Upper East Side early Monday morning and attempting to steal his Christmas gifts, police reported.
Police sources say the known crook broke into the film legend’s home on the neighborhood’s not-so-mean streets during the early hours of Dec. 19. Thirty-year-old Shanice Aviles is accused of attempting to steal away with the 79-year-old actor’s loot.
Sources with knowledge of the investigation told amNewYork Metro that Aviles was apparently spied by the 19th Precinct’s Neighborhood Safety Team jimmying open the basement of De Niro’s townhouse where she then slipped inside.
Cops entered the building, finding Aviles fumbling with items under the tree in her alleged heist attempt.
Police pried her hands from an iPad before cuffing the thief and hauling her down to the station house.
Police sources say De Niro was home at the time and heard the commotion. Sources say the Academy Award-winning actor will be pressing charges.
According to the NYPD, Aviles has a lengthy rap sheet with some 26 prior arrests, 18 of which were reportedly felonies. Police sources say Aviles was also recently arrested this month on Dec. 8 for a string of burglaries.
Aviles was led out of the 19th Precinct in shackles just after 1:30 p.m. Monday, when she wrestled against officers and yelled obscenities.
De Niro’s spokesperson said it was a temporary rental home being used by the actor, the Associated Press reported.
