A man has been arrested for seven commercial burglaries across Suffolk County, according to police.
Police say Kenneth Eckoff, 70, was identified as the man who committed multiple burglaries within the confines of the 6th Precinct between May 22 and June 25.
During each burglary, police say Eckoff removed front-door glass and stole money from registers. Eckoff was charged with seven counts of burglary in the third degree.
Eckoff was located by detectives on Pine Street in Selden on June 27 around 4 p.m.
It is believed the suspect hit six different stores in all, including Carpet Depot in Lake Grove twice.
"It affects us, it affected out salespeople," says Carpet Depot co-owner Ira Tackel. "They feel violated, someone was in the store and rifling through their desks."
Police say Eckhoff stole $300 from a pizzeria, $500 from a clothing store and $600 from Carpet Depot. Some business owners also say they have to pay for damage caused.
Eckoff was arraigned and held on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond and is due back in court on July 3.
Police say Eckoff burglarized the following locations:
- 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 May 22
- Carpet Depot on Route 25 in Lake Grove on June 8
- Jiffy Lube on Route 25 in Selden on June 12
- Coachella Nail Spa on Route 25 in Lake Grove on June 14
- Islander Laundromat on Portion Road in Farmingville on June 25