Suspect signed his own name at theft site

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PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Philadelphia police said a man accused of posing as a fire inspector to steal from three institutions was arrested after signing his own name to a visitor log.

Investigators said Christopher Kieter, 26, first gained entry Jan. 3 to the Academy of Music, where he allegedly stole a Toshiba computer, headphones and a radio, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Monday.

Police said he posed as inspector again the following day at the Independence Visitor Center, where a security camera filed him allegedly taking a $2,500 handheld radio and a $639 wireless microphone.

Kieter allegedly stole two laptops in a similar incident Jan. 8 at the Art Institute of Philadelphia.

Investigators said Kieter was arrested after they discovered he had used his real name to sign the visitor log at the Art Institute.

Kieter was charged with impersonating a public official, criminal trespass, theft and related offenses.

Police said they recovered the stolen items Thursday during a search of Kieter's home.