A Pennsylvania man accused of burglarizing about 1,000 vehicles in a shocking crime spree spanning two states for about a year has finally been caught, authorities said. Keith Johnson, 33, was arrested on a slew of charges, including burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and loitering, according to the Pennsylvania attorney general’s office.
The next day, the same thing happened in three more developments in the township, charging documents allege.
Police found similar thefts happened in Lower Makefield and Solebury a few days before the thefts in Buckingham, according to authorities.
The same person was caught on video at the scenes of all the thefts, police said. During the thefts, insurance and registration cards were among the items taken, court documents state.
Investigators found that at least 10 municipalities in New Jersey experienced the same thefts going back to September 2019, charging documents allege. The same person was seen there during those thefts, according to officials.
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Police believe Keith Johnson is responsible for over 1,000 reported offenses. (Renee Schiavone/Patch)
BUCKS COUNTY, PA A Yardley man was arrested Friday by the Buckingham Township Police Department following a year-long investigation into thefts from unlocked parked in Bucks County and ten municipalities in New Jersey.
Keith Johnson, 32, faces felony charges of burglary, theft and criminal trespassing, along with dozens of misdemeanor counts of loitering and prowling at night time.
Police believe Johnson is responsible for thefts as far back as February 2020, when a number residents in Buckingham Township started reporting lost items from their unlocked vehicles, Buckingham police said in a press release Friday. Surveillance video from the thefts showed a man wearing a gaiter mask, dark sweatpants, gloves and carrying a satchel stealing items from cars.
Authorities in Bucks County hope the public recognizes a serial burglar they say has possibly stolen from around 1,000 vehicles between Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Johnson s arrest Friday night and said his office would continue to hold those who terrorize our communities accountable and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
“As a result of the tireless investigation by our office in partnership with local law enforcement, this community can have peace of mind knowing the individual charged today with breaking into more than 1,000 cars in Bucks County is being held to account, Shapiro said in a statement.
The suspect s modus operandi was to strike mostly at night and only steal from unlocked vehicles.
The suspect had a distinctive gait appearing to walk on his toes – and carried a “satchel-style bag slung across the shoulder where he stashes the loot, investigators said at the time.