THIS is the terrifying moment a knife-wielding monkey steals a coffee pot after rampaging through people’s homes.
Footage shows the capuchin menacingly bashing a knife against a wall –before it was “arrested” and driven away by military police.
The animal terrorised a neighbourhood in eastern Brazil with a crime spree that lasted days.
It stands accused of biting residents and breaking into homes in Vicosa, Rio Grande do Norte.
Footage shows the chaos-causing capuchin clutching a coffee pot before wielding a knife.
In one case, the criminal capuchin was filmed aiding the escape of a pet bird.
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A video shows the monkey smashing the bird’s cage against the wall, setting its winged accomplice free.
Shortly afterwards, the animal was finally “arrested” by the cops and “jailed” – it can be seen sitting solemnly in a cage in the back of a police car.
Residents said the monkey had been unleashing hell on the town since December 12, when it first arrived in the area.
Some of its attacks on homes involved raids on kitchens, and several homes were left without power after the crook capuchin interfered with electrical wiring.
The monkey also bit several locals, residents reported.
Police officers and firefighters attempted to capture the monkey on several occasions, but it continually evaded arrest.
The capuchin was finally captured on December 16 after residents contained the animal and contacted police.
It was taken to the local police station, where it is awaits transfer to environmental police for the appropriate procedures.
Biologist Keliton Gomes said the capuchins can approach towns because of urban expansion that interferes with natural habitats, or as a result of wildlife trafficking.
He warned: “It’s important to avoid contact with the animal, as it can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
“And secondly, contact the environmental police so they can safely and properly rescue the animal.”
This follows a monkey attack in Thailand earlier this month, when a 63-year-old was bitten to death in his home by an aggressive male macaque.
Pensioner Chaiphum Sae-eung was found slumped against the wall with dozens of bite marks.
Earlier this year, another monkey attack in Uttar Pradesh, India, killed a baby boy.
The two-month old was reportedly drowned in a water drum by a gang of monkeys after being kidnapped from his bed.