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Suffolk Cops Say Improved Sharing Of Intelligence Helped Nab Alleged Serial Robber

HAUPPAUGE, NY (CBSNewYork) - A new policy has helped police on Long Island arrest a man they say terrorized business owners and children.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall On The Story

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Authorities said Ronny Lacaliano used a gun to hold up cell phone stores, a nail salon, and even a tax service office. They allege Lacaliano robbed 19 places to feed a crack addiction.

Suffolk County police tell WCBS 880 reporter Sophia Hall that in one case he scared a 12-year-old by showing him the weapon.

Police said the 29-year-old was caught thanks to the new intelligence-driven policing policy. Under the policy, all precincts are told about crimes and crime sprees. Photos and information are distributed and shared.

In this case two officers were on routine patrol when they recognized Lacaliano from the survellance video from one of the crimes.

"Our criminal intelligence people are looking at all the crimes. They're saying 'Hey, there is a pattern here,'" District Attorney Thomas Spota told Hall on Thursday. "Oftentimes, one precinct wasn't talking to the other precinct, for whatever reasons."

What do you make of the greater sharing of information by police? Sound off in our comments section below. 

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