'Ninja Bandit' may have struck again

NEW YORK -- The costumed crook known as the "Ninja Bandit" may have struck again on Staten Island, New York City police said.

A home burglary this week seems to fit the pattern of 18 previous heists attributed to the black-clad, masked thief since May, according to police.

The latest happened between Wednesday and Friday at a home in the Castleton Corners area. According to news reports, the thief entered the home through a sliding door and left with thousands of dollars worth of jewelry.

The "Ninja Bandit" was so named after a the intruder wielded a set of nunchucks when he scuffled with a homeowner in his kitchen in September. Other residents have said they, too, have encountered the burglar but the suspect has managed to escape each time.