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Mahwah Police Crack Car Burglary Spree With Arrests

MAHWAH, N.J. -- A pair of Mahwah police officers cracked a rash of local car burglaries with the arrests of two men who claimed to be looking for a lost dog.

David J Picinich, Donato Crosta

David J Picinich, Donato Crosta

Photo Credit: MUGSHOTS: Courtesy MAHWAH PD

While conducting a follow-up investigation into one of the Sunday overnight burglaries, Sgt. Michael Blondin and Officer John Lange spotted a car matching the description of one seen at an earlier break-in.

The driver "admitted to being in the area but stated he was looking for his lost dog," Blondin said Tuesday night.

At the residence where the purported missing dog was located, the officers found "proceeds from several of the reported burglaries and additional proceeds from unreported burglaries," he said.

They arrested David J Picinich 25, and Donato Crosta 29, both of Mahwah, on five counts each of burglary and theft, the sergeant said.

Additional charges were possible in both Mahwah and surrounding towns, he said.

Mahwah police still have some unclaimed property from the break-ins. They also asked that anyone who believes their vehicle may have been entered to contact them at (201) 529-1000.

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