Bucks business burglar wanted for New Hope break-ins caught Saturday

Photo from surveillance video of Jan. 25 burglary on North Main Street in New Hope.

A man suspected in burglaries across Bucks County was taken into custody Saturday morning after a vehicle pursuit in Bensalem, New Hope police said.

His arrest follows a multi-jurisdictional investigation into a string of commercial break-ins stretching from New Hope to Bristol Borough.

Most of the businesses struck were everyday restaurants, with entry typically made through a window, often smashed or accessed by pushing in an air conditioner, frequently at around 1:30 a.m. The burglar targeted the cash registers in each business.

He is expected to be formerly charged by authorities on Monday.

New Hope has experienced five burglaries in recent weeks, on Jan. 21, 25, and 31. The break-ins on the latter date included Jaffron Indian restaurant at 11 W. Bridge St., Lion’s Den Tattoo Studio on Ney Alley, and Surrender lingerie store on West Mechanic Street.

“We are coordinating and sharing all our evidence with these police departments,” New Hope Police Chief Mike Cummings said Friday.

Feb. 5 burglary at Belly Busters.

The most recent break-ins took place early Thursday morning in Bristol Borough. The burglar gained access to Annabella’s Restaurant on Radcliffe Street through a rear window, and rifled through the cash register which contained no money, then fled. A second burglary took place at Chuck’s BBQ on Pond Street.

The suspect was described as approximately five feet-10 inches tall, with a thin build, and wearing a dark jacket, light colored pants with dirty knees, and gray sneakers.

“We believe the actor is possibly associated with other burglaries taking place within the county,” Bristol Borough Police said in a statement Friday.

Bensalem Police have been investigating a burglary at Belly Busters on Bristol Pike that took place a day earlier, on Feb. 5, at 1:24 a.m. An unknown actor forced open the bathroom window, made entry into the business, and removed cash and coins from two registers.

Dominick’s Pizzeria in Washington Crossing was broken into Tuesday, Feb. 4, and Newtown Borough Police have been investigating commercial burglaries in the downtown business district during the early morning hours on Jan. 12, 18 and 23.

The suspect arrested Saturday is believed to be tied to several other area break-ins.