3 caught on camera stealing flags, including one honoring veterans

MASTIC BEACH, N.Y. -- New York police have released surveillance video of a group of suspects who allegedly stole several flags, including one honoring war veterans, from a Long Island park, reports CBS New York.

The video shows a male suspect boosting a female up on his shoulders next to a flag pole in Osprey Park in Mastic Beach. The woman then grabs the flag pole rope and lowers it down.

A second male suspect with a backpack then grabs two of the flags, leaving an American flag behind. He later comes back to the scene to retrieve the third flag. An American flag, a Town of Brookhaven flag and a flag honoring prisoners of war were taken.

"The persons involved are unfortunately thinking more along the lines of putting a trophy in their bedroom, on the wall, and not the courage and bravery these flags seem to symbolize," said Suffolk County Police Lt. Christopher Corsini said.

The incident occurred in August, but police have released the footage now because they haven't been able to identify the suspects.

"We've exhausted all investigative leads," Corsini said. "Now we're looking for the public's help."

Roger Stengel, a former Marine, lives next door to the park. Stengel was particularly proud of the POW flag that served as a reminder to him of service members lost in combat.

"It hits two ways," Stengel said. "It's a disgrace to this country and a disgrace to the people that have given their lives to this country."

According to police, the theft is a misdemeanor that can carry up to one year in prison.

Police said they have already received some potential leads from the public since releasing the video.