BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. – A man was arrested and charged with theft, theft and related crimes. Buckingham police say the man entered more than 1,000 vehicles unlocked.
Keith Johnson, 32, of Yardley, is said to have been involved in thefts in 13 counties in Bucks County and 10 counties in New Jersey, according to police.
Authorities say the surveillance video and a combined investigation involving several agencies led them to the suspect.
In mid-February 2020, Buckingham Township began to suffer night robberies of unlocked vehicles. Several of these thefts occurred between 3:00 am and 6:00 am. The surveillance video of these thefts was obtained and the actor was seen wearing a “gaiter” mask, dark sweatpants, gloves and carrying a bag, police said.
According to the police, in the following months, many counties in Bucks County also suffered the same type of thefts, with the same actor being caught on surveillance video.
Information about these thefts was shared with the Pennsylvania and New Jersey police departments.
In October 2020, task force members discovered that a stolen New Jersey credit card was used in a convenience store in Pennsylvania, police said.
In January 2021, the investigation identified Johnson as a possible suspect. Information was developed that led to the execution of two (2) search warrants, the last being at Johnson’s residence in Yardley, according to police.
Police said coins, purses, gift cards and dozens of other goods were seized as a result of the search warrant.
The investigation continues as more information is developed, the police said.
Authorities say Johnson’s arrest was made possible with the cooperation of many law enforcement agencies.
Anyone with information related to this case should contact Detective Tim Johnson at 215-794-8813.