String of break-ins at tech stores believed to be connected, Nassau police say
As News 12 has reported, this has happened in Babylon, Carle Place, Lynbrook, Hicksville. Now we're learning about one in Islip at the iFixScreens store.
Top Stories
Nassau police told News 12 that they believe the smash-and-grab break-ins at tech stores on Long Island are connected.
"We're starting to put pieces together. Not long before we make the arrest on these individuals," says Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.
As News 12 has reported, burglaries have happened in Babylon, Carle Place, Lynbrook and Hicksville. Another burglar happened at the iFixScreens store in Islip.
"We believe this pattern could be up to about five or six, including Suffolk County and New York City," says Ryder.
Nassau police say thieves are using stolen cars when going to the stores, then smashing the front windows with a brick and taking the items inside.
"We do know it's three to four males. We're not sure of the race because they do wear masks. They do wear gloves," says Ryder.
Nassau police were able to track one stolen device for a short period of time.
Business owners say they've lost between $12,000 and $30,000 worth of devices.
"We don't know what more we can do to protect our stores," says Nora, owner of iFixScreens Carle Place. "They came in, ransacked the place, went to town, grabbed whatever they could."
One Suffolk business is now worried that something like this could happen to them.
"They're expensive phones. We take them home. There’s about 100 phones and they all cost $200 to $700. So we take all this to a safer spot," says owner of iFixScreens Central Islip Mohammad Reshad.
Nassau police say they've also added extra patrols.
