Police Investigations Lead to Vehicle Burglary Charges

A sharp rise in vehicle burglaries over the winter months frustrated police for some time—little evidence was found at crime scenes to help guide detectives, and the victims were scattered throughout the township, making it difficult for patrols to catch—or prevent—further crimes.

But last week, police filed charges against Charles Gregory, 19, of King George Road, and Matthew Stavrakis, 21, of Rockage Road, in connection with 10 of the cases.

"After an extensive investigation, Charles Gregory has been charged with six counts of burglary to a motor vehicle and six counts of theft," Warren Police Capt. Robert Glen said. 

He added Stavrakis was charged after police observed him in an area near a burglary, and found evidence in his vehicle linking him to four of the burglaries. He faces four counts each of burglary to a motor vehicle and theft, and an additional charge of possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana. 

"The Warren Police Department is continuing to investigate several additional motor vehicle burglaries that occurred during the same time period," Capt. Glen said.

The burglaries were often committed against easy targets, such as unlocked vehicles for quick access. But when some residents left items of obvious value—purses and wallets, or electronic items—vehicle windows were broken to gain access.

Capt. Glen also noted Gregory is not charged with entering a Broadway Road residence, as had been previously reported.

This article was edited to correct an error misidentifying one of the men charged. Earlier versions of the article did not name Matthew Stavrakis. Warren Patch apologizes for the error, and any confusion that may have been caused.