Courthouse burglar only takes judge's robe

ASHLAND, Wis., Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Police in Wisconsin said a courthouse burglar ignored several valuable items to steal only one thing -- a judge's robe.

Ashland Police Chief John Paitl said the break-in occurred early Thursday at the Ashland County Courthouse and the culprit took Circuit Judge Robert Eaton's robe, leaving behind valuables including money and computers, the Ashland Daily Press reported Monday.

Paitl said the thief, who broke a window to enter the building, was recorded by a security camera.

"This is one of the oddest ones," the chief said of the burglary. "The guy breaks into a facility, knows he's on camera and then, as far as we know, he just takes the judge's robe."

"We have nobody in custody," Paitl said. "(Investigator) Jerry Katchka has reviewed the security cameras. The suspect was wearing a big trench coat and sunglasses, so it was very difficult to get a clear ID on the person. So he knew there was cameras in the building. The picture is clear, but you can't tell who it is because of the overcoat and sunglasses."