BRAINTREE ‒ Police detectives have arrested three Colombian nationals in what Braintree police are calling a “conspiracy to commit residential burglaries.”
The suspects may be part of an international theft organization that uses “GPS technology, surreptitious video feeds and countersurveillance” to track the behavior of their targets, a Braintree police news release says.
On Thursday, July 11, detectives arrested three Colombian nationals − a man and two women − who live in New York City, police said.
The two women were charged with conspiracy and possession of burglary tools. The man was charged with assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, carrying a dangerous weapon, conspiracy, breaking and entering and possession of burglary tools, police said in the news release.
A June 20 attempted burglary in Braintree’s Messina Woods neighborhood initiated the investigation, the news release says. Two people fled the home after an alarm sounded.
Two weeks later, a neighbor found a wireless camera hidden in the bushes across from the house, according to authorities.
“The wireless camera was camouflaged with leaves glued to it,” the news release says. Police began to surveil the camera and the home.
On July 11, detectives saw a man “dressed as a landscaper” leave the backyard of the home and walk a “circuitous route” to a black Audi SUV parked nearby, the news release says.
The SUV left Braintree and returned to Messina Woods at 10:30 p.m. A man dressed in black wearing a mask got out, “ducked into a wood line” before appearing “in the victim’s yard,” Braintree police said.
Several police officers approached the Audi SUV and arrested two women in the car. The man fled, leading to a foot chase. Police eventually arrested him after a “significant struggle.”
The man's booking photo shows swelling on his face and lacerations on his forehead and next to his right eye.
“The Braintree Police Department would like to commend the detectives involved in this case for their professionalism, diligence, and dedication to duty,” said Braintree Chief of Police Timothy Cohoon.
“They thwarted another invasive crime in our community by their dogged determination. Also, we urge our residents to be proactive in taking steps to minimize their chances at becoming a victim of a burglary.”
How residents can keep their homes safe from burglars
Police issued “burglary prevention tips” alongside the news release. The advice falls under five categories: "strengthen your home’s exterior," "make your home look occupied," "protect valuables," "invest in security measures" and "what to do when you’re away."
In addition to securing windows and doors, the guide advises homeowners to “trim shrubs and bushes to eliminate hiding spots.”
Other tips include setting up good exterior lighting, keeping the lights on even when away and asking a neighbor to collect mail and park in the driveway if absent for prolonged periods.
In addition, the guide tells residents never to leave keys under doormats or other hiding places.
“Burglars know where to look for hidden keys,” it advises.
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Peter Blandino covers Quincy for The Patriot Ledger. Contact him at pblandino@patriotledger.com.
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