A 18-year-old woman in Coral Springs was excited to go on a date with a man who told her he was Italian.
She thought he was cute. He called himself Florenciano Valentino. He claimed to have moved to South Florida from New York just two months ago. She met the man at a party, and they agreed to go to lunch at Applebee's.
But while there, police said, Valentino's friend was breaking into her home, stealing $5,000 worth of electronics, including an iPad, a computer and a big-screen television.
He wasn't even an engaging date. Police said he spent much of the time, on her iPhone, talking to his buddy as he burglarized her.
His friend was using a prepaid cellphone registered under the name Thomas L.
Police told Local 10 when his friend confirmed the deed was done, Valentino walked out on the date, leaving her with the check and an unfortunate surprise when she got home.
What her lousy date didn't know is that the victim caught him on surveillance video.
She probably wondered why he was late to the date. The victim would have no idea it was because as she was waiting for her Valentine, police said, Valentino was caught on camera scoping her house out.
He can be seen on camera, jumping out of the passenger seat of a black midsize car. He knocked on the front door and was seen running around the side of the house to check the back.
The driver of the car returned shortly after. Detectives said he broke into her bedroom window, opened the garage door, parked his car inside and then started loading it up with electronics.
He can be seen on camera, talking on the cellphone.
Police said on the other end was the victim's date, Valentino, on her cellphone, which he stole when he walked out on her.
Police believe the pair are con artists who are probably targeting women across South Florida.
Given how elaborate their scheme was, detectives believe they've certainly pulled this off before and will probably try it again.