It took a lot of work for the thief to hoist the five-gallon can of gas and tools over the locked chain link fence at Bayville Auto Care on Route 9 South in the early morning darkness of Oct. 10.

That's what owner Robert J. Everett Jr. saw after he arrived at work on later that morning and reviewed the security tape from the night before.

"I'll give whoever catches the little brat a free cup of coffee," Everett said today.

Detective Sgt. James J. Smith confirmed that police are investigating the incident, which Everett said happened around 4 a.m., according to the time stamp on the security tape.

The tape shows a male suspect wearing a hooded plaid sweatshirt, dark pants and a mask. He uses a rope to lift the gas can and toolbox over the fence. At one point he realizes a camera is in use and attempts to change the angle of the camera.

The suspect also removed gasoline from several cars stored in the impound yard, Everett said.

Anyone with information is urged to call the police department at 732-341-6600.

Berkeley Patch will post the video as soon as it becomes available.