OLD SAYBROOK — A New Britain man was arrested Friday after allegedly stealing a series of ATMs across the state in December 2021, according to police.
Jose Malave, 34, was charged with possession of burglary tools, first-degree criminal mischief, third-degree larceny and third-degree burglary in connection with an alleged incident in Old Saybrook, among other purported offenses, police said on Facebook.
The investigation stemmed from the theft of an ATM machine from the Henny Penny Convenience Store and Gas Station on Boston Post Road on Dec. 6, 2021, officials said.
“During the theft Malave led a crew that smashed the widows of the convenience store, tied a rope to the ATM machine inside that was attached to their stolen vehicle outside, and then drove off ripping the ATM machine out of the store through the front glass doors causing significant damage,” police said.
Malave was also charged with similar offenses in Mansfield, Coventry, Norwalk, West Haven, East Haven, New London, Old Lyme, Centerbrook, and East Hartford as a result of the investigation, police said.
Each alleged theft took place between Dec. 1 and Dec. 6, 2021, police said.
He was held in lieu of a $500,000 bond, police said.
Police Chief Michael Spera praised the arrest as part of the statement.
“This is an example of good old fashion police work combined with the use of today’s technology,” said Spera. “As a society we must not let criminals who invade our communities in an attempt to destroy the quality of life we enjoy get away, they must be brought to justice.”
Ben Lambert can be reached at william.lambert@hearstmediact.com.