Man arrested in string of Suffolk County business burglaries
CENTRAL ISLIP, Suffolk County (WABC) -- Suffolk County police say they have arrested the man wanted in a rash of burglaries at businesses.
Kenneth Eckoff, 70, of Mastic Beach, is now facing seven counts of burglary in the third degree.
Eckoff, who was captured on video riding a bike, is accused of removing the front door glass to get into the businesses and then stealing the money out of the cash registers in each case. It's clear, Eckofff was trying not to trip alarms or make loud noises.
"He took the moldings out, then he took the silicone out, and came right through the door," said Giovanni Inguaggiato Villa Grazia Pizzeria. "He never bothered to open up the door. He never breaks the glass just puts the glass right against the wall."
His alleged spree began on May 22 in Lake Grove at the Carpet Depot. He then allegedly burglarized Villa Grazie Pizza on Route 25 in Centereach on June 2, Rainbow at Centereach Mall on June 5, Carpet Depot on Route 25 in Lake Grove on June 8, Jiffy Lube on Route 25 in Selden on June 12, Cochelle Nail Salon on Route 25 in Lake Grove on June 14, and most recently Islander Laundromat on Portion Road in Farmingdale on June 25.
"70 years old on a bicycle, with tools to get in through a glass pane, very surprising," said Steve Melker, co-owner of Carpet Depot.
Eckoff is set to appear in court to answer to the charges in Central Islip later Wednesday.
ALSO READ | 7 On Your Side: What to do if the airline cancels your flight
----------
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
