SWANSEA (WBSM) — Three people, including men from New Bedford and Fall River, have been charged in a series of car thefts and motor vehicle break-ins that occurred last month in Swansea.
Swansea Police Chief Mark Foley said seven vehicles were stolen in that town between July 3 and July 10, including a Kia, a Ford, a Nissan and a Land Rover. He said six of the vehicles have been recovered.
Foley also said 25 residents reported car break-ins during that time period, with most occurring between 3:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.
The department then worked with multiple law enforcement agencies including Massachusetts State Police and departments in Wareham, New Bedford and Somerset, to expand the investigation into similar crimes in those towns around that same time period.
The investigation led to the arrest of three people by Wareham Police in late July in connection with the crimes committed in that town. According to a Wareham Police Facebook post, the three were each charged with 41 counts of breaking and entering into a motor vehicle, 12 counts of larceny, three counts of larceny of a motor vehicle, and three counts of malicious destruction of a motor vehicle.
The three were then charged by criminal complaint in Fall River District Court for the Swansea thefts and break-ins:
Syaire Burgos, 18, of Lawrence is charged with three counts of larceny of a motor vehicle, 11 counts of breaking and entering into a vehicle during the night to commit a felony, larceny over $1,200, three counts of larceny under $1,200, and conspiracy.
Luis Santiago, 27, of New Bedford is charged with seven counts of larceny of a motor vehicle, 26 counts of breaking and entering into a vehicle in the night to commit a felony, 14 counts of breaking into a vehicle during the day to commit a felony, two counts of larceny over $1,200, 15 counts of larceny under $1,200, two counts of attempting to commit a crime, and conspiracy.
Brian Santiago, 24, of Fall River is charged with seven counts of larceny of a motor vehicle, 26 counts of breaking and entering into a vehicle in the night to commit a felony, 14 counts of breaking into a vehicle during the day to commit a felony, two counts of larceny over $1,200, 15 counts of larceny under $1,200, improper use of a credit card under $1,200, two counts of attempting to commit a crime, and conspiracy.
Foley said Burgos was arraigned on August 14 in Fall River District Court and held on $20,000 bail. He said both Santiagos remain in custody and will be arraigned at a later date.
"This investigation is the result of over a month of dedicated work by our detectives and our partners across multiple agencies," Foley said. "Car break-ins and thefts have a real impact on the safety and peace of mind of our residents, and these arrests send a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated in our community. I encourage our residents to continue to report suspicious activity, as their vigilance plays a critical role in helping us keep our neighborhoods safe."
Gallery Credit: Kate Robinson

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