Another man pleads not guilty in a Nassau County burglary ring that started last summer

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Jawaun Whitted, one of several suspects accused in a Nassau County burglary ring that started last summer, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday. News 12 has learned that Whitted and two unidentified defendants entered a Hewlett home last July through an unlocked rear sliding door, were confronted by someone inside, grabbed key fobs and then took off with the victim’s Audi and Jeep Cherokee. According to court documents, the suspects tried to open windows with a crowbar and moved on from house to house in Lake Success. In other communities, the men allegedly entered homes through unlocked doors and windows. Whitted and another defendant, Furquan Ahmad, are accused of attempted burglaries and burglaries on Jan. 4 in Roslyn Heights, Woodmere and Lawrence. The Nassau County district attorney said they are seeing more break-ins happening while residents are home. “When the break-ins are happening, you feel violated even though it’s not your house. It’s your neighbor’s house, and you feel for them," said Mahendra Singh, of New Hyde Park. In January, top law enforcement officials on Long Island announced the launch of a Burglary and Stolen Car Task Force to try to put an end to these crimes. “I’m all for it, whatever they have to do to keep all our neighborhoods around here safe," said Joe Guzzello, of Mineola. In many of the crimes, the men allegedly stole BMWs and then sold them overseas. The Nassau DA is urging residents to keep their doors and windows locked, especially at night. "