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Police Arrest Suspect In String Of Connellsville Burglaries

CONNELLSVILLE (KDKA) -- Police in Fayette County say they've arrested the man accused in a string of recent home burglaries.

Investigators cracked the case thanks to technology. One of the victims had anti-theft software on his computer that told police where it was located.

And that's not all, the web cam on the stolen computer shot video of the person using it and that person lead police to the man who is charged.

Laptop computers, a Wii, video games and controllers, these are just a few of the items stolen in a recent string of burglaries in Connellsville.

David Stefan, 30, of Connellsville, is already charged in one of the burglaries and police plan to charge him with two more.

The first happened on May 29 on East Green Street. Stefan allegedly broke in through a coal cellar.

Then, on June 15, Stefan is believed to have forced his way into a house on Queen Street through a basement door.

The third burglary, on South Pittsburgh Street, was a little different.

"The other one he simply knocked on the doors to see if anybody answered and when nobody answered, he tried it and it was unlocked," said Chief James Capitos, of Connellsville Police.

The burglaries all happened in broad daylight when the victims were not at home.

Stefan is in the Fayette County Jail unable to post $25,000 bond. Police plan to charge at least five more people with receiving stolen property in connection with these burglaries.

"It's no big secret that the vast majority of our crime is drug related," said Chief Capitos. "These individuals are doing these burglaries and thefts to get items to get their drugs for the day."

Police say the best way to avoid a burglary at your house is to know your neighbors, and make sure they know you. Exchange phone numbers and call one another if you see something that doesn't look quite right.

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