Law enforcement authorities recently reported the apprehension of six individuals believed to be part of an extensive burglary ring operating across Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. The bust of the notorious crew, suspected of carrying out an alarming total of 40 burglaries, signified a major accomplishment for the police.
The series of arrests began with two individuals, Alexandar Medine, 52, and Steven Perez, 35, whose crimes landed them charges of third-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools. These initial arrests happened on June 3, launching the dismantling of the team of burglars that had been terrorising local businesses.
A third suspect, Montenegro, was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. His role in the vast crime wave saw a myriad of items, ranging from cash and merchandise to coin machines, seized from dozens of establishments over the course of several months, beginning in March.
Subsequently, two more individuals, Ivelisse, 32, and Isaiahsiah Rodriguez, 22, were apprehended on charges of criminal possession of stolen property. Their suspected involvement in the crime spree contributed to the relentless and escalating pressure on the criminals.
Another suspect, Jesse Pinale, 30, faced charges of fourth-degree grand larceny. He was apprehended on the same day as Ivelisse and Rodriguez, marking another significant step in the comprehensive crackdown on the burglary crew’s activities.
The illicit activities of the burglary crew were tracked across three boroughs, with break-ins being reported at three establishments in Brooklyn, nine in the Bronx, and a staggering 29 in Queens. Many of their chosen targets were laundromats, which appeared to be particularly vulnerable to their illegal activities.
In these laundromats, they often completely cleaned out coin and payment machines during their late-night and early morning prowls. Their methodical approach and consistent selection of targets posed an ongoing threat to these communities until their recent arrests.
One significant incident took place on June 24, marking their most recent reported break-in. In the early morning hours around 3:15 a.m., three members of the crew reportedly invaded a laundromat situated on Grand Ave near Van Kleeck St. in Queens.
During the raid at this Queens laundromat, the criminals made off with a substantial haul. They were successful in stealing $1,800 and a payment machine containing an undisclosed sum. The machine, an integral part of the laundromat’s operation, left the business severely impacted.
Miraculously, the spree of burglaries carried out across the three boroughs thankfully did not result in any physical harm to innocent bystanders. Despite the fact that the burglars struck at a period of relative calm during the late night and early morning hours, it is noteworthy that no civilians were injured during any of the criminal events.
The successful operation leading to the arrests of the six individuals represents an important victory for the law enforcement agencies involved. Their efforts not only brought criminal activity to light, but they also served to reassure the public and the affected business owners that justice will be served.
The police force has noted the remarkable level of cooperation between different precincts across the three boroughs which played a significant role in tracking the burglary crew and executing the successful arrests. Sharing information and resources was critical in dismantling this extensive criminal activity.
These high-profile arrests send a strong signal to other prospective criminals, demonstrating law enforcement’s commitment to maintain security in the boroughs and to do their utmost to protect businesses and residents from such disruptive criminal behavior.
The law enforcement agencies are committed to not just catching criminals, but also to restoring confidence and a sense of safety in the affected communities. By ensuring that those involved in the burglaries were apprehended and held accountable for their actions, they have taken an essential step towards achieving this goal.
As the judicial process unfolds for the apprehended individuals, it serves as a potent reminder of the consequences of illegal activities. Law enforcement remains focused on their goal to safeguard their communities, and this case demonstrates their resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.