New Bedford's police nabbed a habitual car-looter last night, halting a spate of vehicle break-ins haunting local residents. According to the New Bedford Police Department's release, Leoacadio Rivera, 34, was caught in the act as patrol officers responded to reports of a suspicious male peeking into cars around Fulton Street and Rockdale Avenue.
Officers were tipped off to Rivera's dubious activity behind a barbershop just before he tried to make a getaway over a fence into a parking lot, where they promptly apprehended him yesterday at 1:30 AM. Rivera, who is currently without a home, has been arrested for a similar crime within the fortnight, now facing a fresh set of accusations, including two counts of breaking into motor vehicles and possession of burglary tools.
Further inquiries linked Rivera to another break-in; found to be in possession of stolen items and burglary tools back on February 11 after a prowl on Princeton Street. Also marked with a history of criminal offences such as larceny and assault, Rivera appears to be no stranger to law enforcement.
The police department, confronting a reiteration of such misdemeanors, urges the public to remain vigilant, ensuring vehicles are emptied of valuables and securely locked. They've publicized a call for any information on crimes, offering a cloak of anonymity for those who reach out either by dropping a tip on their website or dialing 508-99-CRIME.
