Crime & Safety

Two Burglars Plead Guilty; Burglaries Become Priority This Year, Chief Says

Burglaries were up by 33 percent in 2010 from 2009.

Two of the four juveniles arrested recently in connection with a Jan. 18 attempted burglary have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary, Takoma Park Police said.

On Feb. 14, one of the defendants, a 17-year old juvenile, pled guilty to being involved and to malicious destruction of property, according to police. He was sentenced to community service and ordered to pay restitution to the victim.  On Feb. 17, another defendant, a 15-year old juvenile, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary, police said.  He was also sentenced to community service and ordered to pay restitution to the victim.

The remaining two juveniles have court dates pending, police said.

Burglaries were up 33 percent in 2010 from 2009 even though .

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"I wasn't happy with the amount of burglaries last year," Takoma Park Police Chief Ronald Ricucci said.

Burglaries are the priority this year, Ricucci said. Last year the department worked to reduce robberies, which were down 11 percent in 2010 from 2009.

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Ricucci said most burglaries happen during the day so he is having his day patrol officers and plain clothes officers target residential areas in the city. He is also having officers keep an eye on the border of Takoma Park and Washington, D.C. since many of the burglars have come into Takoma Park from the District.

Residents can help too, Ricucci said. Community members who report suspicious activity can help quell another rash of burglaries like the city had last spring and summer, he said.


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