Kenneth Eckof of Mastic Beach charged with burglarizing 7 Suffolk County businesses, police say
A 70-year-old Mastic Beach man has been charged with burglarizing seven Suffolk County businesses in a month-long spree from late-May to June, Suffolk police said Wednesday.
Police said that following an investigation by Sixth Squad detectives, Kenneth Eckoff was arrested Tuesday afternoon and charged with seven counts of third-degree burglary.
Police said the spree began with the burglary of a carpet store in Lake Grove on May 22 and said the last break-in occurred Sunday at a laundromat in Farmingville.
"During each burglary," police said in a statement, "Eckoff removed front door glass and stole money from registers."
Police did not detail how much money was stolen during the burglaries.
The list of businesses burglarized include:
- Carpet Depot, 2970 Rte. 25, Lake Grove on May 22 and June 8
- Villa Grazie Pizza, 1665 Rte. 25, Centereach on June 2
- Rainbow, 27 Centereach Mall, Centereach on June 5
- Jiffy Lube, 1064 Rte. 25, Selden on June 12
- Cochella Nail Spa, 3076 Rte. 25, Lake Grove on June 14
- Islander Laundromat, 1021 Portion Rd., Farmingville on June 25
Police did not detail what evidence led them to connect the burglaries or lead them to arrest Eckoff, who is scheduled for arraignment Wednesday in First District Court in Central Islip.
It was not immediately clear if he is represented by counsel.
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Newsday Live Music Series: Long Island Idols Newsday Live presents a special evening of music and conversation with local singers who grabbed the national spotlight on shows like "The Voice," "America's Got Talent,""The X-Factor" and "American Idol." Newsday Senior Lifestyle Host Elisa DiStefano leads a discussion and audience Q&A as the singers discuss their TV experiences, careers and perform original songs.
