Philadelphia Thief Posed as Fire Inspector

Police say a man posing as a fire inspector has been arrested for robberies at cultural institutions in downtown Philadelphia.

Investigators say 26-year-old Christopher Kieter was arrested after he signed his own name when checking into security desks at two of his targets. The spree allegedly began Jan. 3 and included high-profile spots such as the Academy of Music, the Independence Visitor Center and the Art Institute of Philadelphia.

Police say Kieter posed as a fire inspector, wearing a Philadelphia Fire Department shirt and carrying a handheld radio.

He’s accused of stealing items including a variety of electronic equipment. Police say he’s charged with impersonating a public servant, theft and trespassing.

A telephone listing for him could not be located and it couldn’t be determined if he had an attorney.