Three men identified as members of a multistate organized burglary ring are in custody after a string of break-ins in Bensalem Township.
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The Bensalem Township Police Department reported that the suspects, who are all Colombian nationals, are allegedly part of a “South American Theft Group” operating out of Queens, New York.
Investigators said they linked the trio to four incidents that occurred in Bensalem Township on Jan. 31 between 6:00 p.m. and 8:10 p.m.
In three incidents, the suspects attempted to enter homes through rear doors or windows but were scared off by residents or triggered alarm systems. A fourth home was successfully burglarized, police said.
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Police identified the suspects and their vehicles by combining witness accounts with data from surveillance footage and automated license plate readers.
The three men charged are Daniel Alejandro Garcia Arenas, 24; Robinson Jean Paul Moncada Patarroyo, 19; and Yeison Estiven Gonzalez Rodriguez, 20, police said.
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The investigation found a pattern of similar burglaries stretching across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, police said.
In the region, the men are accused of burglaries in Bensalem Township; Warrington Township; Franconia Township, Montgomery Township; Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County; and Rice Township in Luzerne County.
All three defendants face charges for burglary and related offenses.
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Garcia Arenas was arraigned Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge Rebar in Montgomery County and was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. Moncada Patarroyo and Gonzalez Rodriguez remain in out-of-state jails pending extradition to Pennsylvania.
The arrests were the result of a joint effort between Bensalem Township police, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Rice Township (Luzerne County) police, the West Windsor (New Jersey) Police Department, and the NYPD Burglary Unit.
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“This case highlights the critical importance of interagency cooperation in addressing organized criminal activity and ensuring those involved are brought to justice,” Bensalem Township police said.
Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.
