NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A woman broke into the Upper East Side townhouse of Robert De Niro early Monday and tried to steal presents from under his Christmas tree while the Oscar-winning actor was home, sources told 1010 WINS on Monday.
The 30-year-old burglar was caught red-handed by police around 2:45 a.m. near a Christmas tree at the 79-year-old actor’s home on East 65th Street, according to sources.
Police had been tracking the suspect, known to be a serial burglar, after a series of break-ins in the area.
Officers watched her enter De Niro’s townhouse through a lower-level service entrance.
After she didn’t come back out, police followed her inside and saw her approaching the Christmas tree with a large bag, sources said.
Police arrested the suspect in the living room as De Niro came down the steps in a bathrobe after hearing noise and activity, according to sources. He didn't have any interaction with her.
The suspect has been identified by sources as Shanice Aviles.
Aviles—who was arrested on Dec. 8 for a half-dozen burglaries and then released—was taken to the 19th Precinct stationhouse, where she was later charged with burglary.
No one at the home was injured, sources said.
It's unclear if the burglar knew it was De Niro's home.
Police were given entry to the premises around 11 a.m. as the investigation continued into the morning. Technicians were also at the home to check the locks.
There are two doors leading into the home from the service entrance—a barred metal door and a door to the residence. The doors had signs of forced entry.
De Niro’s spokesperson said it was a temporary rental home being used by the actor.
The spokesperson said De Niro wouldn’t be making any statements on the attempted robbery.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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