For Immediate Release

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Newburyport Police Arrest Man in Connection with Car Break-Ins

NEWBURYPORT — City Marshal Mark Murray reports that the Newburyport Police Department arrested a man early this morning in connection with several motor vehicle break-ins.

BRENDAN ROBERT PIKE, AGE 32, OF NEWBURYPORT is charged with:

• Breaking and Entering Into a Motor Vehicle (three counts)
• Larceny Over $250
• Receiving Stolen Property Over $250
• Possession of a Dangerous Weapon (brass knuckles)

At 5:50 a.m., the Newburyport Police Department received a report from a resident on Chain Bridge Drive regarding a possible car break-in. The reporting party gave a description of a male who he believed to have gone through a car on the street.

The man then left in the direction of Moseley Avenue near the Merrimac Street rotary. Several police units responded to the area. At 6:15 a.m., dispatch informed responding officers that a resident from Hart Road called to report his car was also broken into and that a black backpack and approximately $50 in change were stolen.

While searching the area, a Newburyport Police Officer noticed a male fitting the description sitting at a house near the entrance to Moseley Pines. The officer then got out of the cruiser and began speaking with the man, identified as PIKE.

Through an on scene investigation, the officer determined that PIKE was involved in the car break-ins and placed him under arrest without incident. Police found cash, change and other stolen items in PIKE’S possession.

PIKE was booked and held at the Newburyport Police Department pending his arraignment at the Newburyport District Court.

Over the past few weeks, the Newburyport Police Department has received numerous reports of cars being entered overnight. In all cases, the cars were unlocked.

To prevent motor vehicle theft, the Newburyport Police Department recommends that residents follow these safety tips:

• Always lock all car doors.
• Roll up windows and close sunroofs.
• Never leave loose electronics in plain view.
• Do not leave money in your car or loose change in plain view.
• Call police immediately if you notice anything suspicious.
• Please report any incidents regardless of whether or not anything of value was taken.

###