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Arrest Made In Series Of Bay Ridge Burglaries, Investigation Continues

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A suspect is in custody in connection with a series of burglaries in Brooklyn which prompted one neighbor to move away.

Joseph Cananzarro, 42, had allegedly been working in the 68th Precinct, which includes the Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Fort Hamilton sections of Brooklyn. He entered nine homes by breaking fire escapes and climbing through windows, and has removed assorted pieces of property, police said. He apparently made off with wristwatches, laptops, electronic devices, jewelry and cash.

The burglaries were reported on two days – Wednesday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 24. He allegedly struck multiple homes on the same block, and broke into a couple of addresses twice.

Cantanzarro was arrested early Friday evening.

Police On The Hunt For Burglar Who Struck Multiple Southern Brooklyn Homes

The neighbors on one affected block on Ovington Avenue were jittery and outraged over the burglaries, 1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria reported Saturday.

Murphy, of 532 Ovington Ave., has decided to move because he is worried about the burglar.

"I've got too much electronics, I've got too much, like, flat screen TV; I've got, like, three laptops, you know, three PlayStations. I've got to go. I can't afford that," Murphy said. "And the landlord's an idiot too because he don't want to put cameras in."

Police have been looking for a suspect in connection with the following incidents:

• 468 77th St., between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 19;
• 463 78th St., between 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. April 19;
• 473 78th St., between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. April 19;
• 441 83rd St., between 8:30 and 9 a.m. April 19;
• 536 Ovington Ave., twice on April 24.
• 538 Ovington Ave., twice on April 24.
• 528 Ovington Ave., between 3:15 and 3:40 p.m. April 24.

Cantanzarro is believed to have been involved in at least five of those burglaries, the investigation is continuing.

The homes are all on residential blocks. Many are two- or three-flat rowhouses.

Southern Brooklyn Burglar Getaway Car
The getaway car used by a burglar who has been striking in southern Brooklyn. (Credit: NYPD)

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (5477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

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