Police Arrest Framingham Man Suspected Of 200 Break-Ins
BOSTON (CBS) – A Framingham man suspected of over 200 break-ins has been arrested after a multi-agency investigation.
On Monday, officers from Natick, Boston and Framingham arrested 44-year-old Craig Cromartie. Investigators believe Cromartie is responsible for the thefts which netted over a million dollars in stolen merchandise.
Cromartie was allegedly targeting high end neighborhoods in several towns, stealing expensive handbags, jewelry and art.
Police say he would break into the mail-room of condominium complexes, find out who was away, and then break into their units early in the morning.
"He would hide things in the apartment building, he would come back later, he would hide things outside," said Needham Police Sgt. Dan O'Brien. "He was as experienced with this as I am with my job."
Cromartie is currently charged with three counts of breaking and entering but other charges are pending.
Also Monday, a Downtown Crossing jewelry store owner was arrested in connection with the case. Boston Police and members of the Norfolk County Police Anti Crime Task Force arrested 62-year-old Florin Ghita of Weymouth and charged him with receiving stolen property.
