Brooklyn homes targeted by man stealing flags

WINDSOR TERRACE (WABC) -- A flag-napper is on the loose.

Police are looking for someone who stole several flags from several Brooklyn homes on Friday. In one incident, the suspect walked up the front stairs of a Windsor Terrace home calm and collected as he pulls off the criminal act of stealing an American flag just as the community was celebrating our country's independence.

"Oh we were disgusted by the act, especially on July 4th of all days," said Karen Burke Abruzzese, "I mean any day, but especially on July 4th - the most patriotic day. It was horrible."

Burke Abruzzese says the flag that was stolen from her house had a special significance.

"It was given to my parents from a family friend who was actually serving over in Iraq - this flag was actually flown over the HQ for operation Iraqi freedom in 2008.

The family now has a new flag, but they found the older flagpole smashed and in the middle of the street.

This apparently unpatriotic thief hit seven homes along 10th Avenue. He was carrying two duffel bags and was riding around on a bike. Residents in the neighborhood have strong ties to what the flag represents.

"It's the 4th of July and my brother is in the Navy," said Brooklyn resident Kevin Shashaty.

However, despite the thefts, the celebration of the Nation's birthday was not dampened throughout the neighborhood.

"Life still goes on of course, I hope they catch the guy!" Shashaty adds.

The suspect is a white male, wearing blue denim shorts and a bandana, and carrying two back packs.

Anyone with information on this case, should call 800-577-TIPS, submit tips on the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM, or text tips to 274637(CRIMES), then enter TIP577.